With the desire to equip his athletes with the best gear in the game, University of Miami’s new head baseball coach has inked a multi-year equipment deal with Marucci Sports.

“We are excited about this new partnership. Marucci has established itself as an industry leader within baseball, especially at the collegiate level,” said J.D. Arteaga, University of Miami head baseball coach. “Their bats, gloves, equipment, customer service, and attention to detail is second to none.”

Marucci prides itself on creating the tools athletes want and need to be successful, and will be the exclusive provider of bats, fielding gloves, Lizard Skins grips and protective gear.

“We truly believe that having our players use Marucci will give them a competitive advantage on the field,” added Arteaga.

Equally as excited about this new relationship, Co-Founder and CEO of Marucci Sports, Kurt Ainsworth, reflected on his history with the Arteaga. “I remember seeing J.D. pitch in Omaha for the Hurricanes as I was starting college,” said Ainsworth. “Knowing what kind of player he was, we have full confidence in the coach he will be, and we know the Hurricane baseball family will support J.D. in leading the program.”

As a player, Arteaga is one of the most decorated pitchers in UM history, helping the Hurricanes reach the College World Series four straight seasons from 1994-97. He spent the past 21 seasons on the Hurricanes’ coaching staff, most recently serving as associate head coach and pitching coach. Arteaga was inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame in 2007, and helped Miami earn 18 NCAA Tournament appearances and reach the College World Series six times during his coaching career in Coral Gables.

Most recently, the Hurricanes have made the playoffs seven out of the last nine seasons, two of which as regular season conference champions. Miami has earned their way to Omaha for the College World Series 25 times in the program's history, most recently in back-to-back seasons in 2015 and 2016. Four of those CWS trips resulted in the team bringing home the title.

Ainsworth continued, “the University of Miami brand is synonymous with college baseball, and we are honored to have them represent our family of brands. We look forward to doing everything we can to help the Hurricanes return to Omaha.”

Founded in 2009, Marucci Sports is a leading manufacturer and distributor of baseball and fastpitch equipment under the Marucci and Victus brands. This partnership also offers access to products from Lizard Skins and Baum, two companies acquired by Marucci Sports.