Fernando Tatis Jr. Wore Custom Cleats Honoring Peter Siedler

Fernando Tatis Jr. honored Peter Siedler during the San Diego Padres' home opener.
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Air Jordan cleats honored Peter Siedler.
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Air Jordan cleats honored Peter Siedler. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
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While the San Diego Padres season started last week in Seoul, Korea, they did get to enjoy MLB Opening Day festivities in front of their home crowd on Thursday afternoon. The Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-4, but it was not without some heavy hearts.

Last November, the team's beloved owner, Peter Siedler, passed away at age 63. The Padres will wear a patch on their uniforms this season to remember Siedler and their star player is using his footwear to pay tribute to his late friend.

Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. wore custom Air Jordan cleats titled "R.I.P. Peter." The cleats feature engraved leather with images of Siedler. This symbolizes the respect Tatis had for Siedler and how he will forever be engraved in Tatis’ life. It will also include Siedler's signature quote about Tatis, "I BELIEVE IN HIM."

Side view of Fernando Tatis Jr,'s tan Air Jordan cleat.
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s custom Air Jordan cleats. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Pulling inspiration from the Padres' home base, the entire upper was crafted utilizing veg tan leather, thoughtfully curated to feature a laser engraved mosaic that mirrors scenic elements of San Diego’s coastline.

These heartfelt cleats are just the second installment of over 50 unique cleats Tatis will wear during the 2024 MLB season. Tatis' season-long collection all conceptualized by XAMPLE's CEO & Founder, Nick Drbal, and expertly crafted by the SURGEON.

XAMPLE and SURGEON are major players in MLB and the rest of the sports world. Many of the world's top athletes seek the artists' services when they want one-of-one footwear. Baseball fans can count on another exciting season for Tatis and his footwear. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks for all your sneaker news from the sports world.


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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Kicks On Sports Illustrated. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.