With the Mets in last place in their division and the Yankees in a slump heading into next week’s All-Star break, there hasn’t been a lot for the New York teams to celebrate lately. But one bright spot is that both teams have new partnerships with apparel brands.
The Yankees have teamed with Goat USA, a New York-based casualwear brand, on an exclusive collection. The first drop includes graphic T-shirts and hoodies with a co-branded logo. The campaign for the collection features Ben Rice, the Yankees’ first baseman.
“When Goat USA reached out about partnering together, I was all in,” said Rice. “I love that Goat USA represents confidence and being the greatest version of yourself.”
Goat USA was founded 10 years ago by three friends — Rich Alfar, TJ Cristina and Dylan McLaughlin — who started selling T-shirts from a folding table at youth sports tournaments on Long Island. It is now carried in more than 1,000 wholesale doors and also has nine stand-alone stores.
Yankees first baseman Ben Rice in the Goat USA Yankees hoodie.
“Growing up around New York, the Yankees were a part of the fabric of everyday life and this partnership is a dream come true,” said McLaughlin. “This collection is for the fans who wear their pride every day, not just on game days.”
Not to be outdone, the Mets have linked with designer Eric Emanuel for a full ballpark takeover on Friday at Citi Field that includes the launch of a limited-edition collection of shorts, hoodies, T-shirts and hats along with a special Citi Field exclusive shorts drop.
The first 15,000 fans attending the game against the Boston Red Sox will receive an Eric Emanuel T-shirt and specialty nachos will be served in an exclusive Eric Emanuel branded souvenir helmet.
The collection, which features Mets players A.J. Ewing, Mark Vientos and Brett Baty in the campaign, will be sold at the Mets Team Store, Eric Emanuel’s SoHo store and website.
“This collaboration celebrates the shared energy of the New York Mets and Eric Emanuel’s signature sportswear while giving fans multiple ways to experience the launch throughout the night,” said James Benesh, vice president of ballpark experience for the Mets. “From the moment gates open, fans will be able to engage with the collection across retail, food and beverage, and in-game entertainment, bringing the collaboration to life throughout the ballpark.”
“Baseball occupies a unique place in American culture, and growing up in New York, the Mets were an institution,” Emanuel said. “My brand has always been built around sports culture — the fandom, the traditions, and the visual language of the game. Having the opportunity to interpret the entire fan experience through our lens for a storied New York team — especially on a Friday night at Citi Field — really speaks to what the brand is all about. Also, I’m here for the EE nachos.”
