Kevin McGonigle is still new in Detroit, but the Tigers’ rookie shortstop is already wearing the city like a badge of honor.
For MLB Players Weekend, which begins Friday, Aug. 21, in Kansas City, McGonigle will take the field in custom cleats that are pure Detroit. The design folds in some of the city’s most recognizable symbols: the skyline, the 8 Mile road sign, the Spirit of Detroit and the Ambassador Bridge. The shoes were created by Detroit artist Juliana Rabban, who goes by justbyjuliana on Instagram.
The look drew quick attention before Friday’s series opener against the Royals. One reader, reacting to an image shared by a Detroit News reporter on X, said the Tigers ought to turn the design into something fans could buy.
"A pair of these as sneakers would be fantastic," reader John Stanley wrote.
Players Weekend is now in its third year, giving players a chance to put a personal stamp on their uniforms. Miami Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee is doing that with custom bats that honor both of his alma maters. One side of his Wilson bat nods to Central Michigan, while the other pays tribute to Allen Park.
McGonigle is not the only Tiger getting the custom treatment. Troy Melton, the starter Friday, will wear cleats designed by Rabban that feature a sunset inspired by Orange County and California, his home, with the orange sky also doubling as a Tigers color. His shoes also include references to Newport Beach and Huntington Beach.
Gleyber Torres will also sport custom cleats, using his pair to raise awareness and thank workers involved in relief efforts after the earthquakes in Venezuela, his home country.
MLB Players Weekend runs through Sunday, Aug. 22.
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