The Florida Vibe pro softball team based out of Bradenton, Fla., announced last month a significant partnership with EvoShield, a leading sports apparel and protective brand that is strong in the stick and ball sports including baseball where the company serves as the Official Catcher’s and Protective Gear of Major League Baseball®.

Starting next year, EvoShield will be the official licensed uniform and apparel provider of the Florida Vibe, which will play across North America including stops in Colorado, Mexico, New York, Kansas City and more locations across a 30-game professional tour schedule.

In a press release released together by the two companies, the exact nature of the business relationship was detailed.

“EvoShield, established in 2005, uses its patented Gel-to-Shell® Technology to deliver best-in-class protection on baseball and softball diamonds, and the company’s batter’s protective guards, catcher’s gear sets and other on-field equipment safeguard ball players everywhere from travel ball to MLB®,” the release stated.

“EvoShield’s best-in-class training apparel and game uniforms are trusted by high-performing amateur, college and professional clubs, including the University of Virginia baseball program.”

The Florida Vibe, established August 2, 2021, is the longest-running active professional softball operation with over 100 games of experience.

“With this strategic relationship and partnership, the Florida Vibe will be more positioned to continue to thrive and represent the professional space with a quality and professional brand to all of our fans, supporters and more,” said Vibe President Ryan Moore.

Jennie Ritter, the former All-American pitcher at Michigan who currently serves as the Fastpitch Business Manager for Wilson Sporting Goods Company family of brands, which includes EvoShield, sees the new partnership being good for the pro players who need a “standard of excellence” in their on-field gear.

“With this relationship, the Florida Vibe will outfit all players in EvoShield uniforms and practice apparel, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of a brand designed specifically for baseball and fastpitch athletes,” said Ritter.

“EvoShield has grown into one of the premier protective uniform and apparel brands in the nation and has made a significant investment into creating a fit design specifically for a Fastpitch athlete.”

“We are excited to begin a partnership and support in the Florida Vibe at the professional level of our sport at a quality that meets a pro-athlete’s standard of excellence on and off the field,” she concluded.