Nokona Unveils Star-Studded Roster with Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr.

In an exciting stride for both players and fans, Nokona, the legendary baseball brand proudly made in America, has announced partnerships with two phenomenal baseball talents: Rookie-of-the-Year Paul Skenes and All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. This strategic collaboration showcases the brand's stylish yet practical game belts, known as ShowBelts®, that are rapidly becoming a staple among Major League Baseball players.

Paul Skenes, making waves as a pitching phenomenon with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has taken the league by storm. His accolades are noteworthy; becoming the National League Rookie of the Year and earning a starting spot in the All-Star Game is no small feat. Drawing from a deeply impressive college career at Louisiana State University, where he was named the Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series, Skenes is now competing at the pinnacle of the sport. He emphasizes the importance of choosing authentic gear that reflects his personal style, stating, "When you make the Majors, you wear ShowBelts®". Skenes appreciates the high-quality craftsmanship involved in making the ShowBelts®, adding a touch of patriotism by proudly wearing the American flag on his belt.

Bobby Witt Jr., who has been breaking records throughout his career as he enters his fourth season in the MLB, is equally enthusiastic about his new partnership with Nokona. Recently noted for being the first shortstop in MLB history to achieve consecutive 30 home runs and 30 steals in a single season, Witt Jr. has established himself as a player of extraordinary talent. He first joined the ShowBelts® family during his playoff debut last season after sporting the belts since 2022. Witt Jr. mentions, "Everyone in MLB is wearing them. I love designing mine and am looking forward to wearing several new ones I designed for this season - I've got quite the collection going". His connection to the product is evident as he expresses the creative freedom that comes with customizing the gear.

The ShowBelts® are designed to stand out on the field, incorporating vibrant colors, personalization options, and signature design elements that resonate well with professional athletes. Additional features include the extra-wide 'Show' keepers and intricate 'Flash' designs that allow players to mix textures and colors on a single belt. Nokona has also expanded its offerings to include lifestyle belts suitable for off-field activities, making the product versatile and desirable for various occasions.

Nokona's president, Jeff Beraznik, expressed excitement about the growth of the ShowBelts®, praising the unique characters of both Witt Jr. and Skenes as perfect identities for the brand. He noted, "Not only are Bobby and Paul exceptional players, but they perfectly represent the Nokona ShowBelts® brand; their uniqueness as athletes is reflected in the highly customizable game belts they personally design, giving them the chance to show their originality". The partnership also allows fans and customers to engage with the customization process, inspired by their favorite players, which enhances their connection to the sport.

Introduced in 2017, the ShowBelts® have undergone a tremendous evolution since the initial Spring Training visits at Major League clubhouses. Although the initial reception was mixed, players soon found themselves proud of the uniqueness and quality of their belts, dubbing them as ShowBelts® due to their distinguished craftsmanship. Now, these highly coveted accessories hold a celebrated place within the professional uniform, with most athletes owning a variety of them to mix and match throughout the season.

A testament to their growing popularity is the recognition from What Pros Wear, who have labeled ShowBelts® as the 'unofficial belt of MLB'. An iconic piece resides in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, where Sandy Alomar Jr.'s ShowBelt® is displayed as part of the memorabilia commemorating Oscar Gonzalez's legendary walk-off home run during the 2022 playoffs.

Founded back in 1926, Nokona has made its mark on the sports world, handcrafting ball gloves and leather goods that emphasize American craftsmanship and innovation. Their commitment to quality is clear, and with the addition of Paw Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr. to the team, they look set to enhance brand loyalty and broaden their fanbase, enriching the game with a product that resonates well beyond the field.

For baseball enthusiasts and trendsetters alike, the partnership between Nokona and its star-endorsers is a vibrant signal of creative expression and American heritage in baseball gear.