Mizuno Renews Partnership With Softball Legend & NCAA All-American Jennie Finch Through 2020

NORCROSS, Ga., Dec. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mizuno, a global leader in sports apparel, footwear and equipment footwear, today announced a five-year contract extension with fastpitch softball's most iconic player and U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Jennie Finch. The partnership includes plans to continue Finch product specifically focused on expanding the bat and ball glove line-up. Finch will play a key role as ambassador for the Mizuno brand, while also providing valuable feedback and insights to Mizuno's ongoing product development.

The contract extension's five-year term is significant in that it allows Mizuno to maintain its relationship with Finch through the 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo. After being part of the Olympics from 1996-2008, softball is currently a favorite for reinstatement at the 2020 Games, in a joint bid with baseball.

"Mizuno was the first company to commit to making equipment for the female fastpitch softball player. This was important to me because I believed we, as female athletes, should not have to compromise when it came to our equipment. I have been honored to work side-by-side with Mizuno since those early days, and look forward to what the future holds," said Finch. "Softball has given me so much, and I continue to be passionate about the game I love. The passion I feel is present in the products Mizuno continues to create, which makes me proud to be a Mizuno athlete."

With her experience as a member of the U.S. Olympic team and National Pro Fastpitch player, Finch brings invaluable insights to the needs of fastpitch softball players at every level.

"Jennie is an important part of the Mizuno family, and has been for many years. Her fastpitch knowledge and comprehensive expertise of the game are second to none," said Jim Guadagno, Director of Diamond Sports and Volleyball Promotions, Mizuno USA. "Whether through her feedback within the product-development process, or her role as an iconic brand representative, Jennie has been a contributing factor to our success in fastpitch softball."  

The current Finch product line-up includes options for the youth and adult players, including batting gloves, fastpitch bats, ball gloves and cleats.

For more information on the fastpitch bat line, including where to buy, visit mizuno.com. Join the Mizuno Fastpitch conversation on Instagram (@mizunofastpitch), Twitter (@MizunoFastPitch), and Facebook (MizunoFastPitchNorthAmerica) and be the first to hear news and product updates.

About Mizuno USA

Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.

SOURCE Mizuno USA, Inc.

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