Jordan Brand Designs Jackie Robinson Cleats for MLB Players

A select few MLB stars wore player-exclusive Air Jordan cleats honoring Jackie Robinson.

April 15 will always be an important day in American history. It was on the date in 1947 when Jackie Robinson broke through the color barrier, becoming the first black baseball player in MLB history. 

The league has done a tremendous job of celebrating Robinsoin's life and legacy over the years, and yesterday was no different. Every player wore the number 42 on their jersey, and many laced up special cleats to pay tribute to the trailblazer.

.@MookieBetts' Jordan 5 cleats for Jackie Robinson Day #Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/o3kH40EyX1

— MLB Life (@MLBLife) April 16, 2023

Jordan Brand one-upped the competition by collaborating with PWCC Marketplace to design cleats in a custom colorway honoring Robinson. By our count, less than ten active players are signed with Jumpman, and a select few got to wear the rare cleats.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado, and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all rocked the heartfelt kicks yesterday on the diamond.

Air Jordan 5

Air Jordan cleats and a Jackie Robinson card / PWCC Marketplace

Jordan Brand and PWCC Marketplace always set the bar high for themselves, thanks to their high-quality products and excellent storytelling skills. But even they outdid themselves with this collaboration.

The custom cleat comes in the Air Jordan 5 silhouette with a blue upper contrasted by off-white laces. Robinson's number 42 appears on the mesh side panels, while the phrases "RESPECT ME" and "AS A HUMAN BEING" appear inside the tongues. 

The colorway is inspired by Robinson's 1948 Leaf rookie card (also pictured above). There is no way to describe this project other than absolute heat. Unfortunately for athletes, the cleats will never release to the public. But fans can check out Robinson's cards on the PWCC Marketplace website.

Thanks to the rule changes, star players, and influx of culture, baseball has not been positioned for a great season in a long time. It is only April, and we cannot wait to see what all the competing brands have planned for the rest of the year.

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