Real Men Wear Pink: MLB, Reebok Team For Breast Cancer Help

MLB Players Wear Pink-Striped Reebok Cleats To Raise Money, Awareness For Breast Cancer

MLB and Reebok reached a deal prior to yesterday's schedule of games so players "could wear their pink-striped Reebok cleats as part of a Mother's Day initiative to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research," according to Marc Topkin of the ST. PETERSBURG TIMES. Reebok had planned to "auction the cleats and give money to the Avon Foundation for Women," which is not an "MLB-sanctioned charity." Rays P Joe Nelson: "I don't think MLB tried to do anything wrong. They have responsibilities, too, and I understand that. But ultimately it's for a good cause, regardless of where the money goes." Topkin notes players across the majors also "used pink bats, wore pink wristbands and Phiten magnetic necklaces, and had pink ribbons attached to their jerseys" (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 5/11).

REEBOK NOT ALONE: In N.Y., George King III reported Puma sent Yankees CF Johnny Damon a "pair of pink spikes ... with the hope of auctioning them through his charity foundation" (N.Y. POST, 5/10). Meanwhile, Under Armour sent "pink shoelaces and pink wristbands to all of its athletes," including Mets SS Jose Reyes (N.Y. POST, 5/10).