The MLB All-Star Game takes place next Wednesday, July 13th. Ahead of All-Star Week, Nike announces it will be honoring the legacy of the Hank Aaron, the baseball legend who passed away earlier this year, with initiatives inspired by his historic baseball career to his fights for social justice.
Air Griffey Metal “Hank”
Ken Griffey, Jr. partnered with the Nike design team on a cleat exclusive to Nike athletes participating in MLB All-Star Week that honors Aaron’s lasting impact which began on the baseball field and transcended beyond sport. The upper features design elements from each of Aaron’s professional uniforms combined with the classic Air Griffey color blocking:
• Indianapolis Clowns (Negro League – 1952): Red tongue and heel pull tabs
• Milwaukee Braves (1954): Crimson heel Swoosh
• Atlanta Braves (1966, 1969): 1966 – Grey Swoosh on ankle-strap tabs, 1969 – Mudguard pinstripes
• Milwaukee Brewers (1975-76): Blue and gold eye stay
Aaron’s inspirational motto, “Keep Swinging,” is featured on the ankle straps, with Aaron’s career stats embossed on the inside of the straps. Aaron’s number 44 replaces Griffey’s on the rubberized Velcro tab of the ankle strap. The sockliner also features a “44” bottle cap, which refers to Aaron’s childhood penchant to practice his swing using found objects.
Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation
Hank Aaron’s dreams went beyond the field. He believed he could make a difference by providing youth opportunities to succeed, starting with access to a college education. In honor of this, Nike will commit $104,000 to the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation’s “4 For 4” program, which provides at least $4,000 per year for four years to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).
“I see these young kids coming along now and they are chasing their dreams. It just so happens that their dream costs a little bit more than mine did. I’m hoping they catch it and that they’re able to do the things they want to do in life.” – Hank Aaron, shared by the Chasing the Dream Foundation as part of his inspiration for supporting college scholarships for HBCU students
All-Star Game Jersey
During his career, Hank Aaron was selected to a record 25 MLB All-Star Game selections. The back of each players jersey features participation stars under their numbers to inspire current players to chase Hank’s record. The National League will don the white jersey, while the American League will sport the blue jersey. The two-button design features an oversized club-inspired graphic on the left chest while the right sleeve features the official MLB All-Star Game patch that pays respect to the host club, Colorado Rockies.
The Nike MLB All-Star Game 2021 Jersey in authentic, replica, and women’s versions and accompanying fan gear is available now on Nike.com, Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, the MLB Flagship Store in NYC, and at select retailers.
