A brand of hope and inspiration, Nike stands for the power of sport to bring people together. That said, during this year’s midsummer classic, Nike will honor the legacy of Hank Aaron ? from his historic baseball career to his fight for social justice ? and empower the next generation of all-stars on and off the field.
Above you will find the Nike Air Griffey Metal “Hank”. This special cleat celebrates Hank Aaron, baseball?s greatest all-star. Ken Griffey, Jr. partnered with the Nike design team on the design of the cleat. Aaron was an inspiration to the Griffey family and the shoe has special meaning to Griffey. The cleat will be an exclusive to Nike athletes participating in MLB All-Star Week, honoring Aaron?s lasting impact which began on the baseball field and transcended beyond sport. Details on the cleat include design elements from each of Aaron?s professional uniforms combine 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
On the outside of the ankle straps, Aaron?s inspirational motto, ?Keep Swinging,? is featured. Inside of the straps, his career stats are embossed. Aaron?s number replaces Griffey?s on the rubberized Velcro tab of the ankle strap. The sockliner features a ?44? bottle cap, which refers to Aaron?s childhood penchant to practice his swing using found objects.
In addition to the Nike Air Griffey Metal “Hank” cleat, Nike will commit $104,000 to the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation?s ?4 For 4? program. Hank Aaron has long been admired and remembered for his outstanding baseball career. However, he wanted to be known for more than baseball because his dreams went beyond the field. Aaron believed he could make a difference by providing youth opportunities to succed, starting with access to a college education. Nike’s investment in the Chasing the Dream Foundation will provide at least $4,000 per year for four years to students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU).
Lastly, this year’s Nike MLB All-Star Game Jersey was designed to commemorate one of baseball?s highest honors ? an all-star selection. Instead of ?home? and ?away? club jerseys, this new All-Star Game jersey will be worn during the 91st MLB All-Star Game.
During his career, Hank Aaron was selected to a record 25 MLB All-Star Game selections. On the back of the jersey, participation stars inspire current players to chase Hank’s record. The two-button design features an oversized club-inspired graphic. The National League will don the white jersey, while the American League will sport the blue jersey. On the right sleeve, the official MLB All-Star Game patch pays respect to the host club, Colorado Rockies.
The Nike MLB All-Star Game 2021 Jersey will be worn on-field July 13. Authentic, replica and women?s versions of the jersey are available now at Nike.com/app, Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, MLB Flagship Store (NYC) and at select retailers.
via: Nike
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