MLB umps will sport New Balance shoes

Photo included with New Balance press release. Photo credit: Getty Images Sport.

Globe Staff

It's no surprise that many Major League Baseball players wear tony sneakers --- but the umpires?

Maybe tax collectors and dentists are more reviled than umps, but that hasn't deterred New Balance Athletic Shoe Inc. from signing on to become the official on-field footwear provider of Major League Baseball Umpires.

Through a multi-year agreement, Boston-based New Balance said it will supply all turf shoes, plate shoes and other athletic footwear used on-field. New Balance added that it will also support “Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities,” or RBI, with a $50,000 product donation.

The RBI program aims to work with young people to increase participation in baseball and softball, while also promoting academic achievement, the New Balance press release noted.

The release included a statement from Mark Cavanaugh, general manager of sports marketing at New Balance.

Commenting on the company's relationship with Major League umpires, Cavanaugh said, “We are proud to showcase our innovative and technical product on a premier stage and look forward to providing comfortable, protective footwear to officials at all levels to ensure they can perform at their best.”