A baffle system for blank molds of a glassware forming machine includes a first shaft (30) mounted for movement in the direction of its axis and for rotation around its axis. A baffle arm (38) is mounted to the first shaft and a manifold (60) is suspended from the baffle arm. A plurality of baffle holders (78, 80, 82) are suspended from the manifold, and rocker arms (106, 108, 124) interconnect the baffle holders for equalizing forces applied by the baffle holders to the blank molds of a glassware forming machine. A second shaft (32) is adjacent to the first shaft and a link arm (44) extends between the second shaft and the manifold. The baffle arm, the manifold and the link arm form a linkage that moves the baffle holders between a first position overlying the blank molds and a second position spaced from the blank molds. Disposition of the rocker arms between the manifold and the baffle holders permits the manifold to be folded under the baffle arm in the second position of the baffle arm, the manifold and the baffle holders. The link arm preferably is coupled to the second shaft for longitudinal and pivotal movement on the second shaft, and a wear block (50) preferably is carried by the baffle arm and engages the link arm adjacent to the second shaft for supporting the link arm during movement of the link arm on the second shaft.