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.
About Griffey
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.
