Nike Honors Jackie Robinson with a Special Griffey 2 Cleat for Jackie Robinson Day

April 15 marks Jackie Robinson Day, the annual celebration of the legendary athlete who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Since 1997, Robinson’s number 42 has been retired across all MLB teams, a first-of-its-kind tribute in professional sports history. As part of the annual tradition, Nike is releasing a commemorative footwear release, with typically two options arriving — one for the diamond, the other for the dugout. This year's on-field option comes in the form of the Nike Griffey 2 MCS cleat, honoring Robinson’s legacy in a way that truly captures his impact on the game.

The cleat’s standout feature is the repetitive layering of “42” across the upper, showcasing the number in the unique typeface of each Major League Baseball team. With all 30 teams represented, the design creates a powerful visual tribute to Robinson’s influence across the sport. The base of the cleat is built from a crisp white leather upper, paired with matte silver logo detailing on the forefoot, tongue, and medial sides. Ken Griffey Jr.’s “Swingman” logo lands on the heel, while 42 is stamped on the insoles to reinforce the tribute.

Nike Baseball has made it a tradition to release Jackie Robinson-inspired footwear and gear around mid-April, ensuring that each year’s tribute is both meaningful and wearable for players and fans alike.

Expect the Nike Griffey 2 MCS "Jackie Robinson" to be released ahead of Jackie Robinson Day 2025, with availability likely through Nike.com and select retailers.

In other baseball news from the Swoosh, the Nike Kobe 6 "Dodgers" Releases in April.