Griffey

Nike, an American company founded in 1972, began its serious involvement in baseball in the 1990s. In particular, the company solidified its presence in the baseball gear market starting in 1996 with a partnership with Ken Griffey Jr., who was a superstar in Major League Baseball (MLB) at the time. By 2023, approximately 50% of MLB players were using Nike cleats.

In the past, Nike also offered cleats and gloves in Japan, but the company withdrew from the Japanese market in 2014. As a result, it is no longer possible to purchase Nike gloves or cleats through official channels in Japan.

Ken Griffey Jr., recognized as one of the top players in MLB history, had a signature shoe line known as the “Griffey.” This line played a crucial role in establishing Nike’s strong position in the baseball world.