I recently joined up with Wilson Sporting Goods here in Chicago as a contract designer / illustrator. The role has a singular focus on bringing out some fresh apparel designs for our MLB Wilson sponsored players. MLB All-Stars like Mookie Betts, Matt Chapman, Clayton Kershaw, Jon Lester, Evan Longoria and Dustin Pedroia. These are meant to be worn during 2021 spring training and beyond as practice apparel and athletic wear. I wanted to bring the heritage of Wilson into the picture as it is a solid message to lean into.
Additionally, I was asked to jump on a separate project for Wilson’s Premier Baseball League. It’s an elite league of high school players from across the US. One of the beloved youth coaches Ro Coleman Sr. tragically died in an unexplained act of gun violence. Having been tapped for the MLB work, I was happy I got pulled in to address the needs of Wilson and its youth players.
Wilson set up a team shop where all the proceeds will go toward Empowerment Pursuit which was started by Ro Coleman’s son. While gathering further context on Coach Ro and who he was as a person, I found myself becoming increasingly sad. I came across pictures and videos of post game celebrations. Players and coaches surrounding him and chanting “That was a Ro Coleman Special!” This became synonymous with performing at a high level. Out punching your weight class. Overcoming incredible odds to come out the victor.
Art Direction - Rob Partin Grassroots Marketing Manager & Mike Zulla Global Art Director, Team Sports