Boston, MA – Global athletic leader New Balance announced today the signing of all-star right fielder, Jose Bautista. New Balance will be Bautista’s official on-field footwear and on and off-field athletic footwear and apparel provider.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the New Balance family and enjoy working with a group that is as passionate as I am both on and off the field,” says Jose Bautista. “I look forward to working with the New Balance team to continue to enhance my performance on the diamond while supporting each other’s charitable efforts.”

New Balance is very excited to be working with Jose. He has had an extraordinary start to the season and shows an unwavering dedication to his craft, strong leadership and a passion for the community,” says Mark Cavanaugh, general manager of sports marketing for New Balance. “We look forward to seeing him continue his great 2011 campaign and supporting him on and off the diamond.

This season, Bautista, who set the record for most all-star votes ever, with more than 7.45 million, is wearing a special make-up of the New Balance 1103 baseball spike. The cleat features “Bautista” and his number “19” on the tongue. Called a “running shoe on spikes,” the 1103 offers high performance running technologies to eliminate spike pressure and provide an athlete superior comfort and fit on the field. Bautista will also wear 2 different custom designed 1103s created specifically for the home-run derby and the all-star game.