Shohei Ohtani Signs with Activewear Company, Wants to ‘Change the Game,’ He Says

The Los Angeles Angels’ standout pitcher Shohei Ohtani has debuted his own shoe line.

New Balance said on Tuesday that the two-time MLB all-star and the first player in MLB history to be named to the All-MLB First Team as both a pitcher and a batter has inked a long-term partnership with the athletic apparel company.

Ohtani, now 28 years old, said he was “excited to join the New Balance family” as he continues his “journey in baseball” and other ventures.

The star pitcher said in a statement that he signed with New Balance because the company is known “for having incredible production innovation” and “being an authentic brand who allows their athletes to be themselves.” Other notable athletes on New Balance’s roster include NBA stars Kawhi Leonard and Zach LaVine.

Ohtani is excited to cooperate with New Balance “to change the game,” as he put it.

Baseball Sports Marketing Director at the company Neil Brooks referred to Ohtani as “a once-in-a-generation athlete who fits with our larger roster of athletes in approach to respective sports.”

Brooks said, “Shohei is never satisfied and is continually pushing himself and his team to be better while allowing his on-field performance to speak for itself. We’re excited to work together with Shohei to realize his goals and transform the industry as a whole.

As part of the agreement, New Balance will release a special edition of the 574 Cleat, a revamped version of one of the company’s iconic models with updated features suitable for use on the playing field.

Ohtani, meantime, is getting ready for the next World Baseball Classic, when he’ll captain Team Japan, and the new season with the Angels, which begins on March 30. In addition, he will be a free agent in October and may so negotiate his own salary.