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New Balance to Drop Shohei Ohtani Game Model Glove

New Balance is making waves in baseball. They have always been one of the best options for cleats but their partnership with The Unicorn, Shohei Ohtani, is propelling them to new heights. Enter the A2KSO17. A glove crafted for the most special player on the planet will be available to the public in limited quantities this summer.

The A2KSO17 is the culmination of a partnership between New Balance and Wilson, two of the most recognizable names in sports. Working with world renowned glove craftsman Shigeaki Aso, Ohtani developed a glove that’s as unique as he is. This glove is an A2K at its core. Featuring Wilson staples like Tan Pro Stock Select leather and double palm construction, the A2KSO17 will feel familiar to those who have handled A2Ks.

Another Wilson feature is their iconic SuperSkin material that wraps from the thumb around to the pinky. SuperSkin is still considered the gold standard in glove synthetics. It’s lightweight, durable, and water-resistant making it ideal for the rigors of a 162 game season.

Shohei and Aso worked to tailor this glove to Ohtani’s exact specifications. The fingers of the A2KSO17 are long and based off of an outfield model while the pocket was widened to decrease the likelihood of tipping pitches. The wrist strap and a modified palm liner were added to ensure a secure fit that would limit movement on the hand as much as possible. The liner looks to have the same (or a similar) texture as SuperSkin. Ohtani also prioritizes stiffness in his gloves. Aso included high-grade wool inserts in the thumb and pinky to achieve Shohei’s desired outcome.

One of the most unique features is the New Balance 574 shoe embroidered on the modified wrist strap. New Balance says this is a “nod to his relationship with New Balance extending well beyond baseball”. The company is passionate about their athletes leaving a legacy both on and off the field.

We will continue to provide updates on the glove as they become available. Needless to say, we are excited to see the continued growth on the diamond from New Balance.

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