In the competitive world of sports, the right equipment can make all the difference. This was a lesson well understood by the Batarse family from Orange County, California, who invented the Glove Wrap. This simple yet innovative product, hit it out of the park after eight-year-old Gavin Batarse, his sister Morgan, and their father Jon, showcased it on Shark Tank. They struck a deal with Mark Cuban and Michael Rubin. Currently, Glove Wrap is worth $250,000.
The Birth of Glove Wrap
The journey began with young Gavin, an avid baseball player, who struggled with the stiffness of his new glove. Traditional methods of breaking in the glove, such as oiling or physical manipulation, were time-consuming and often ineffective.
This frustration birthed the idea of Glove Wrap, a tool that promised to shape and soften baseball gloves efficiently. The product, a latex-free, thermoplastic elastomer band, was ingeniously simple, applying just the right amount of pressure to the glove to expedite the breaking-in process.
A Family’s Journey to Shark Tank
The Batarse family’s appearance on “Shark Tank” wasn’t just about seeking investment; it was about showcasing hard work, creativity, and resilience. Their pitch highlighted how Glove Wrap was not only a solution for frustrated baseball players but also a testament to young entrepreneurship. The family’s passion and the product’s simplicity caught the attention of the Sharks.
Glove Wrap’s Success
The product quickly gained traction in the sports community, amassing a large following on social media platforms with enthusiastic reviews from players of all levels. The Batarse family’s invention was not only about improving a player’s game; it was also about preserving the lifespan of expensive sports equipment, saving time, and introducing an innovative approach to an age-old problem.
Post Shark Tank Expansion
Although the episode has just aired, Glove Wrap’s sales will see a huge uptick over the next week. Around 3.5 million people watched the episode live and millions more will see the product through syndication. This type of publicity is expensive to buy and should drive at least $50,000 in revenue in the short-term.
Globally, around $65 million people play baseball so they’re market size isn’t massive but if the deal with Cuban and Rubin closes, it will be massive for the company.
Initially only available through their website for $19.99, the family has bigger plans. They aim to make Glove Wrap accessible to every player, envisioning it being sold in retail outlets. Their journey was more than creating a successful product; it was about inspiring young minds to innovate and solve problems, a vision that resonated with many beyond the baseball field.
It will be interesting to see how the business grows as Gavin gets older. Other young founders of The Measuring Shovel and Baby Toon have gone on to become successful after Shark Tank. Potentially in the future, Glove Wrap could get acquired or license their patent to a large company. Rubin has a strong background in licensing so he can definitely help.
