New Balance has announced the signing of New York Mets pitcher Johan Santana to a multi-year endorsement deal. The brand will be Santana’s official on-field footwear and off-field athletic apparel provider. New Balance will also sponsor The Johan Santana All-Star Bowling Classic on June 21st. “It is extremely important to me to give back to my community, here in the U.S. and in Venezuela, so I am excited to have New Balance’s support at my upcoming bowling event,” says Santana. “The New Balance cleats are comfortable pitch after pitch, which makes a big difference on the mound.” The signing follows New Balance’s recent inking of Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia and pitcher Manny Delcarmen, both of whom wear player exclusives of the New Balance 1101 baseball cleat – a shoe the company has called a “running shoe on spikes” for its running shoe-like performance. Santana will wear a Mets-themed Black/Blue-Orange version of the 1101, comprised of black nubuck, blue/orange overlays and accents, as well as Santana’s jersey number 57 displayed on the tongue and lateral heel panel.