hard
goods
It starts with the right piece—whether it’s a player’s Derby chain, a custom influencer gift, or limited-edition merch. The best hard goods go beyond the game, creating moments, building hype, and leaving a lasting impact.
Client: Major League Baseball
Project: Takashi Murakami x MLB
Date: March 7th, 2025
Overview:
This collaboration began when my friend at Complex approached me with an idea and sought advice on how to pitch it to the Dodgers. Recognizing the potential for something larger, I saw an opportunity to expand the concept into a league-wide initiative with a more meaningful and long-term impact. I developed a strategy to position the project within MLB’s broader cultural marketing efforts, ensuring it wasn’t just a one-off collaboration but part of a larger vision. I created the pitch deck and presented it to MLB’s Culture Marketing team, initiating discussions with internal stakeholders and setting the foundation for what became a limited-edition Murakami collection tied to the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series.
Strategy:
The approach was to elevate the collaboration beyond a single team and instead integrate it into MLB’s cultural marketing ecosystem, ensuring longevity. Rather than limiting it to a Dodgers activation, It was positioned as a league-wide initiative tied to the Tokyo Series, amplifying its global relevance. To extend its lifespan beyond the capsule collection, We incorporated MLB Life, MLB’s lifestyle and culture platform, as a vehicle to sustain engagement with Murakami and future cultural collaborations. To finalize the deal, we held numerous face-to-face meetings with the CEO of Complex/NTWRK to ensure strong alignment and buy-in from both sides. These discussions were key in securing commitment from MLB and Complex, highlighting the long-term potential.
Execution:
I refined multiple presentation decks, aligning the concept with MLB’s broader strategic goals, and facilitated collaboration between Complex, Murakami’s team, and MLB stakeholders. By launching the collection during the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series, we maximized global media exposure and created a high-demand, limited-edition product that strengthened MLB’s positioning within fashion and art. Beyond the collection, establishing this relationship opened doors for future collaborations, particularly on social and digital platforms, allowing MLB to be more deeply embedded in cultural conversations. By leveraging Complex’s influence, MLB gained a more organic entry into streetwear, youth culture, and lifestyle media, reinforcing its presence beyond the game and making it a more relevant part of the broader cultural landscape.
Role: Creative Director
Collaborators: Sergio Flores, Adrian Williams
Client: Major League Baseball
Project: Home Run Derby Chain
Date: 2019 - ‘21 - ‘22 - ‘23 - ‘24
Overview:
Necessity drives innovation—the Home Run Derby chain was created to own a defining moment in the competition. The marketing team wanted a prize that could rival the champion’s trophy while remaining unique each year. Tasked with conceptualizing the chain, I drew from my passion for fashion, music, and baseball, blending cultural influence with the sport.
Strategy:
My first design drew inspiration from 50 Cent’s iconic spinning chain on TRL in 2003, while later versions evolved to capture the energy and identity of each host city. To amplify its impact, we positioned the chain as an unexpected crowning moment, designed to go viral on social media and live TV. The debut chain was awarded to Pete Alonso, presented by Daddy Yankee, setting the stage for an annual tradition. Each year, we elevated the rollout, building anticipation and hype around how the chain would evolve to reflect its new home.
Execution:
I brought on NYC-based jeweler Kenny Hwang to craft the Home Run Derby chains, collaborating on 3D molds to ensure each piece was dynamic, eye-catching, and built for the spotlight. The chains quickly became a cultural phenomenon, generating millions of impressions and engagements across MLB’s owned channels and doubling earned media. Our curated rollout package was strategically seeded to top publications spanning sports, lifestyle, music, and fashion, amplifying its reach. The buzz even caught the attention of Travis Scott, who expressed interest in designing the 2024 chain, though scheduling conflicts ultimately prevented the collaboration.
Role: Creative Director, Designer
Collaborators: Matthew Massarelli, John Luongo, Kenny Hwang
Client: Major League Baseball
Project: Influencer Gift Kits
Date: 2019-2024
Overview:
The influencer kits were a strategic initiative designed to attract celebrities and social influencers to key events while showcasing exclusive game-specific merch. Each kit featured a thoughtfully designed box filled with limited-edition gear unavailable in stores or online, creating buzz and anticipation around the series. This approach not only generated hype but also helped establish high-profile celebrity seating sections, elevating the game-day experience and broadening MLB’s cultural reach.
Strategy:
The design approach focused on elevating each event’s brand identity while crafting premium, high-impact influencer boxes. We used top-tier materials and incorporated dynamic elements—whether it was a unique opening mechanism, sound activation, or glow-in-the-dark features—to create an unforgettable unboxing experience. The goal was to spark intrigue and drive viral social media moments by building anticipation around the mystery of what was inside.
Execution:
I worked closely with the team to design the boxes that seamlessly blended brand identity with bold creative execution. After refining the concept, we collaborated with a manufacturer to explore print applications, packaging mechanics, and unique opening features. The final rollout saw thousands of boxes delivered to celebrities, generating social media buzz as they unboxed their gifts—many even sporting the exclusive merch at the games, further amplifying the campaign’s visibility.
Role: Creative Director, Designer
Collaborators: Matthew Massarelli, John Luongo, Mario Clavasquin
Client: MLB Youth Development Foundation
Project: The HBCU Swingman Trophies
Date: 2023-2024
Overview:
The 2023 HBCU Swingman Classic at T-Mobile Park celebrated the legacy of Black baseball while paving the way for its future. Showcasing 50 top players from 17 Division 1 HBCUs, the event delivered an authentic Major League experience under the leadership of former MLB managers Jerry Manuel and Bo Porter. To elevate the experience, we designed a prestigious championship award and a standout MVP trophy to honor the game's top performers.
Strategy:
My goal was to design a trophy that felt fresh, timeless, and iconic for the foundation. We started by deconstructing the game’s logo and studying the rich history of HBCUs, finding ways to blend both narratives through creative storytelling. The final championship trophy took the shape of home plate, with its measurements holding hidden symbolic meaning, while the MVP trophy embodied a star—paying tribute to excellence and incorporating the legendary swing of Ken Griffey Jr.
Execution:
My designer and I explored various trophy concepts before collaborating with Kenny Hwang to bring our vision to life. The MVP trophy featured a 10" x 8" crystal star, gold-plated trim, a sculpted gold Griffey Swingman figure, and a black onyx stone base, embodying both elegance and significance. The Championship trophy paid tribute to Ken Griffey Jr.'s legendary career, with a 22" width for his 22 years in the league, a 24" height representing his jersey number, and a 13" vertical silhouette symbolizing his 13 All-Star selections. A 43° lower segment angle honored his MLB debut on 4/3/1989, while the back was laser-engraved with past winners. Additionally, the crystal plate design allowed for an internal fill, adding depth and craftsmanship to the piece.
Role: Creative Director, Designer
Collaborators: John Luongo, Kenny Hwang
