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Pirates’ Jake Mangum unveils must-see Pokemon bats for Players’ Weekend
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- Pirates’ Jake Mangum unveils must-see Pokemon bats for Players’ Weekend
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum may have won MLB Players' Weekend after showing off his incredible Pokemon-inspired bats.
The 30-year-old MLB standout is using the power of nostalgia to help lift the Pirates through the special weekend. Mangum's love for Pokemon and the iconic program's trading cards are now going viral with three bats he'll use in upcoming MLB games.
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The Pirates star revealed that he has three Pokemon bats featuring several legendary characters. Mangum boasts Charizard, Blastoise, and Venasaur bats that give off major trading card energy.
It's not the first time that an athlete has shown off their passion for the beloved television program. WWE star Logan Paul's been featured wearing a PSA-graded Pikachu card chain in the past before selling it for over $5 million.
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Pirates star shows off incredible Pokemon bats
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates
Detail view of the "Pokemon" themed glove of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
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Last month, Milwaukee Brewers star Jacob Misiorowski used his own Pokemon-inspired glove during a game against the PIrates. The young MLB ace also played with a Pokemon card inside his glove while pitching on another occasion.
MLB is using Aug. 21 through Aug. 23 as Players' Weekend to give its stars the chance to express themselves on the diamond. Players like Mangum can use personalized gear with pop culture and other mainstream references.
However, Mangum's Pokemon bats have drawn so much attention online in recent days. Last year, the former Tampa Bay Rays player used the weekend as an opportunity to create a bat with a map of his hometown in Mississippi.
Jake Mangum now has the coolest bats in the MLB https://t.co/YUBKrGaiZf pic.twitter.com/ppr4VWHPmG
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) August 21, 2026
It's clear that MLB fans are way more excited about his upcoming inspiration though. Other top players around the league are also expected to up the ante with their own concepts in 2026.
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Baltimore Orioles star Jackson Holliday's bat for the weekend features a custom graphic of his dog , Coconut. Meanwhile, the coolest aspect of the weekend is that fans can win the gear after it's auctioned off by the league.
All proceeds from Players' Weekend will go straight to charitable organizations selected by each MLB star.
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