SSK Launches Pre-Orders for '2026 NPB Summer Special Design Umpire Gear'!

SSK (SSK) is launching a special design umpire gear collection for NPB umpires to wear during summer 2026, available exclusively through its official online shop. The collection features two distinct designs: one inspired by Tokyo's cityscape and another by Toyama's iconic Tateyama mountain range, offering both hats and shirts. Pre-orders will be accepted from July 16 to August 2, with delivery expected around mid-October 2026.

2026 NPB Summer Special Design Models

The 'Urban Glow' design, inspired by Tokyo's metropolitan energy, features sublimation graphics of skyscrapers around Bunkyo Ward's Korakuen and aerial views of the stadium. The color scheme reflects the transitional moment from dusk to night during summer night games. This unique hue, impossible to capture with pure black or navy, is expressed in a deep, sophisticated purple.

The 'Breath of the Earth' design, inspired by Toyama's majestic nature, illustrates the grand Tateyama mountain range, lush greenery, and pristine meltwater in artistic detail.

The hats are made from 100% polyester for excellent breathability, with NPB logos on the front and back. Two brim lengths are offered—5cm for plate umpires and 7cm for base umpires—with sizes ranging from M to XO to accommodate various head circumferences.

The shirts are crafted using sublimation dyeing, which ensures vibrant designs along with high breathability and lightweight comfort. NPB embroidered patches are placed on the chest and below the back collar. A zipper closure allows for easy wear and removal, even when wearing an inside protector. High-performance polyester fabric provides excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, ensuring both comfort and mobility for umpires.

Product and Sales Information

The 2026 NPB Summer Special Design Umpire Gear will be available for pre-order exclusively on the SSK online shop from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, August 2, 2026. Delivery is scheduled for mid-October 2026.

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Umpire Short-Sleeve Shirt (with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥29,700 (tax included)

COLOR: TK Purple

SIZE: S, M, L, O, XO, XO2

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Plate Umpire Hat (5cm brim, with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥10,450 (tax included)

COLOR: TK Purple

Brim: 5cm

SIZE: M (54–57cm), L (56–59cm), O (58–61cm), XO (60–63cm)

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Base Umpire Hat (7cm brim, with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥10,450 (tax included)

COLOR: TK Purple

Brim: 7cm

SIZE: M (54–57cm), L (56–59cm), O (58–61cm), XO (60–63cm)

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Umpire Short-Sleeve Shirt (with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥29,700 (tax included)

COLOR: TY Blue

SIZE: S, M, L, O, XO, XO2

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Plate Umpire Hat (5cm brim, with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥10,450 (tax included)

COLOR: TY Blue

Brim: 5cm

SIZE: M (54–57cm), L (56–59cm), O (58–61cm), XO (60–63cm)

[Estimated Delivery: Mid-October] Base Umpire Hat (7cm brim, with NPB Patch)

PRICE: ¥10,450 (tax included)

COLOR: TY Blue

Brim: 7cm

SIZE: M (54–57cm), L (56–59cm), O (58–61cm), XO (60–63cm)

SSK's Umpire Support Initiatives

SSK signed supplier contracts with NPB's Central League in 2005 and with both Central and Pacific Leagues in 2012 as the official umpire uniform provider. The company supports not only players but also the umpires who uphold the game. In 2016, SSK collaborated with NPB, and in 2022 with the Japan Baseball Federation (BFJ), to produce training videos for umpires. SSK continues to contribute to the dissemination and development of baseball through information initiatives for umpires.