Nike clothing line to honor Negro Leagues

In an effort to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson segregating Major League Baseball, Nike is celebrating the accomplishments, heritage and history of Negro Leagues Baseball with its Untold Truth Collection clothing line.
“We at Nike felt that it was time to pay tribute to the Negro Leagues,” said Nike media contact Brian Facchini. “Their spirit and energy was amazing, and their play was far ahead of their time.”
The Untold Truth Collection of urban sportswear will showcase legendary teams of the historic Negro Baseball Leagues.
The collection was created in conjunction with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
The first Negro League began in 1920 with seven teams and lasted for 32 years. Numerous other Negro Leagues were soon to follow, producing Hall of Fame players such as Satchel Page, Josh Gibson and Jordan “Buck” O’Neil, who became the first black to coach a major league team.
Nike began discussions with the NLBM to research and develop the collection more than a year ago.
By using original team logos and colors, the collection aims to capture the essence of what the teams presented while bringing little known facts of the leagues’ story to life.
According to Facchini, Nike will introduce three teams in the fall and will introduce three new teams every time a new line is launched.
Apparel evoking the spirit of the Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and New York Cubans became available in February.
Apparel celebrating the Homestead Grays, Memphis Red Sox and Philadelphia Stars will be in stores April 1.
“The Untold Truth Collection is Nike’s way of ensuring that the public knows their stories and support the NLBM’s operation,” said Facchini.
The NLBM was founded and established in Kansas City, Mo in 1990 and is a privately funded, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of African American baseball.
“We are extremely proud of the partnership we’ve established with the museum and look forward to introducing new apparel in the future,” said Nike US Communications Director Rodney Knox, at the opening of the line at the Helen Mills Theater in New York.
The Untold Truth Collection can be purchased at nikeuntoldtruth.com and at Niketown, as well as in select stores throughout the country.