Ahead of his home opener at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Los Angeles Angels pitcher, designated hitter and outfielder Shohei Ohtani received a custom glove from New Balance crafted to his exact specifications.
Honoring the MLB American league MVP and 2023 World Baseball Classic Champion and MVP, New Balance made sure to utilize the very best in materials and innovation, working with Wilson Master Glove Craftsman Shigeaki Aso for the project. Ohtani’s glove was modeled on the premium Made in Japan A2K® gloves, featuring Tan Pro Stock Select Leather and Double Palm Construction with an embroidered New Balance 574 shoe across the wrist representing the athlete’s wider relationship with the brand beyond baseball.
“New Balance’s dedication to product innovation, brand authenticity and letting me be myself is an important part of our relationship, and this glove shows that,” says Shohei. “I used a prototype of the glove during the World Baseball Classic tournament and it helped me achieve my dream of bringing the world title home to Japan. The details on the glove are a way for me to live freely in baseball and have fun with product.”
Other design highlights include longer fingers based on an outfielder’s glove and a wider pocket and closed web design to accomodate for the needs of a pitcher. The use of lightweight and water-restant Wilson SuperSkin™ materials reduce weight while improving durability and a wrist strap ensures a secure fit while pitching. With Shohei wanting a stiffer glove, high-grade wool is inserted in the thumb and pinky while a modified palm liner is made to limit movement on the hand.
“From our very first conversation, Shohei has been a seamless fit into the New Balance family,” says Chris Davis New Balance CMO and SVP of Global Marketing. “His passion for the brand and his trust in our team will allow us drive innovation, stylistic expression and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
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