EXHIBIT 99.2


RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS ACQUIRES VICTORIAVILLE HOCKEY BUSINESS

ST. LOUIS, Sept 12/PRNewswire/ -- RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS
COMPANY, INC. (Nasdaq:RAWL) today announced the closing of its
acquisition of substantially all the assets of USA Skate Company,
Inc. (the Victoriaville business), including the Vic,
Victoriaville and McMartin brands.  In August, Rawlings announced
its plans to acquire the Victoriaville business.  Jon Hodgins,
Victoriaville's President, will manage the Rawlings' hockey
business including the Rawlings, Vic, Victoriaville and McMartin
brands.  Victoriaville had approximately $14.0 million in annual
revenues in its most recently completed fiscal year and has NHL
on ice exposure with well over 150 professional players using Vic
equipment.

Carl J. Shields, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
of Rawlings, said "With the acquisition of the Victoriaville
business complete, Rawlings is looking forward to providing the
same high level of quality, service and product innovation to
customers for hockey products that they have grown to expect from
Rawlings in baseball, basketball and football related products."

Except for the historical financial information contained herein,
the matters discussed in this news release are forward looking
statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including
quarterly fluctuations in results, ongoing customer changes in
buying patterns, retail sell rates for the Company's products
which may result in more or less orders than those anticipated
and the impact of competitive products and pricing.  In addition,
other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in
the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for
the year ended August 31, 1996.

Rawlings is a leading supplier of team sports equipment and
apparel.

SOURCE:  Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.