Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Unveils Eye-Popping Spring Training Cleats

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Matt Strahm has some incredible custom cleats for Spring Training.

Tyler Maher

Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Unveils Eye-Popping Spring Training Cleats
Philadelphia Phillies Reliever Unveils Eye-Popping Spring Training Cleats /
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Even for a veteran team like the Philadelphia Phillies, Spring Training can be a time for experimentation. The games don't count, so it's the perfect time to test out a new pitch or a different batting stance.

This year's Spring Training has featured new uniforms for MLB players, which have been the butt of many online jokes. They look cheap, show too much and are definitely not cool, making them an obvious whiff for the league.

Phillies reliever Matt Strahm will be looking cool, however, at least on his feet. He unveiled his new custom cleats for Spring Training on Wednesday, and they're pretty awesome.

First off, amazing color choices.

The Phillies powder blue is a nice touch and really makes the cleats pop, especially compared to the basic black ones that most players wear. The yellow/gold sides and lettering add even more flair.

Secondly, what a great concept.

Most baseball fans love baseball cards, so having cleats designed around them is both unique and genius.

Strahm is a baseball card nut, and his new cleats clearly show his passion for the hobby. They feature his 2023 Topps Update card on the side and have multiple references to his TV show "The Card Life."

Strahm has over one million cards in his collection, including a card of every player who's hit a home run off of him. He has given up 53 homers in his MLB career to 49 different players, including to stars such as Freddie Freeman, J.D. Martinez, Mookie Betts, Miguel Cabrera and others.

Now Philadelphia fans know what Strahm does in his free time.

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Tyler Maher
TYLER MAHER

Tyler is a writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. He grew up in Massachusetts and is a huge Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox. He went to Tufts University and played club baseball for the Jumbos. Since graduating, he has worked for MLB.com, The Game Day, FanDuel and Forbes. When he's not writing about baseball, he enjoys running, traveling, and playing fetch with his golden retriever.

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