Kicks

New Balance Unveils Shohei Ohtani Commercial on Opening Day

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani on Opening Day.

Pat Benson

Shohei Ohtani is starring in a new ad campaign for Opening Day.
Shohei Ohtani is starring in a new ad campaign for Opening Day. / Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The past week has been the most tumultuous stretch in Shohei Ohtani's storybook career. However, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter was finally able to put the drama and distractions behind him to focus on Opening Day on Thursday afternoon.

Ohtani played lights out in his Dodgers debut, going 3-4 with two hits and one single. Not only did Ohtani generate some positive headlines for himself on Opening Day, but he is also starring in a new ad campaign for New Balance.

Before the Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, New Balance shared a slick new video of Ohtani working out in his brand's gear. Set to the tune of 1973 hit "Hollywood Swinging" by Kool & the Gang, Ohtani flashed his swing and smile while rocking New Balance head-to-toe. Check out the social media post below, and we will give you our reaction.

Iconic. Everything from the music down to Ohtani's New Balance 990s was perfect. It is just one of the many reasons why baseball needs Ohtani to pull through his drama off the field. New Balance would also stand to benefit greatly if Ohtani could clear his name from the alleged gambling scandal surrounding his former translator.

New Balance signed Ohtani to a multi-year footwear and apparel deal in January 2023. Earlier this month, the brand unveiled Ohtani's signature logo and previewed his upcoming apparel line. Not to mention, some lucky fans got to take part in an event held yesterday in Brentwood, California.

New Balance never officially offered a statement on Ohtani's situation (nor should they have). But today's new commercial is a sign that the Boston-based brand is standing behind the biggest star in MLB. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks for all your footwear news from the sports world.

Published
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. 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.

Home/News