Building Jose Abreu’s Game Model First Base Mitt

See how Chicago first baseman Jose Abreu worked with Wilson to craft his game model glove.

Veteran first baseman Jose Abreu collected MVP hardware with his elite play at the dish and in the field in 2020. While slugging his way to a .987 OPS, 19 home runs, and 60 RBI in 60 games, Abreu also posted a career-high five Defensive Runs Saved in Chicago’s south side with his updated A2K® JAB79 Game Model First Base Mitt.

Jose, known by his Chicago teammates as the in-house glove guru, worked with Wilson Master Craftsman Shigeaki Aso to get his game model mitt just right over the years. Two years ago, they incorporated SnakeSkin™ into his mitt to give it a bold new look. After meeting with the Wilson glove team in Chicago prior to the 2020 season, Jose was impressed by some of Wilson’s latest technologies, and he adopted SuperSnakeSkin™ on the back of his mitt and Wilson’s revolutionary Spin Control Technology™ in the palm and web. Jose jumped at the chance to bring innovative features to his A2K® JAB79 Game Model first base mitt, and he was among the first Wilson Advisory Staff members to adopt Spin Control Technology™. When receiving his glove at spring training, Abreu lauded the quality of his custom-built Wilson first base mitt.

“Last year, when I visited the company, they told me a lot about the leather,” Abreu said. “I’m pleased with the work they’ve always done with the gloves.”

Jose relies on a Single Post Web deepened with loose laces in his game model mitt, and he is an expert when it comes to in-season glove maintenance. After Aso helps break in Jose’s glove leading up to Spring Training, Jose will work tirelessly to shape his pocket just right for digging out balls at first base. He maintains his glove by re-lacing it throughout the season, and he regularly fixes gloves for teammates in Chicago.

Jose’s 12.5” mitt, crafted with Pro Stock® Select Leather and SuperSnakeSkin™, has the extra reach that first basemen require at the bag. Black SuperSnakeSkin™ material offers a sharp look and reduces glove weight while improving durability and moisture resistance. Black and Blonde Pro Stock® Select Leather offers a consistent feel every time he puts on the glove.

Want to handle first base just like Jose? Grab his 2021 A2K® JAB79 Game Model First Base Baseball Mitt, the Wilson glove built specifically for Jose Abreu. Hoping to put your own twist on Jose’s game model? This A2K® is available in the Wilson.com custom builder, where you can customize colors and add personal text embroidery. Ready for your own award-winning campaign? Follow Jose’s lead at first base.

After picking up Jose’s Game Model, break it in with Aso.