Mizuno USA, Inc. has re-signed 2004 Olympic Gold Medallist and member of National Professional Fastpitch’s Chicago Bandits, Jennie Finch. Finch was one of the premier players on the USA Women’s National Team which took home Gold and became the story of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Before that Jennie was a three-time, first team All-American, and two-time Honda Player of the Year while playing for the University of Arizona. She is one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of fastpitch softball, and currently holds the NCAA record for most consecutive wins with 60.

“Re-signing Jennie Finch demonstrates Mizuno’s continued commitment to fastpitch softball,” said Bob Puccini, President Mizuno USA, Inc., and Chairman, Mizuno Canada, Ltd. “Jennie is one of the elite athletes in the history of women’s fastpitch softball and continues to serve as an outstanding symbol for the quality and performance that Mizuno brings to the game.”

Finch’s partnership with Mizuno has played a large role in Mizuno’s rise to become one of the dominant players in the fastpitch category. Already a well-established brand among female softball players in the ball glove and footwear categories, Mizuno expanded into fastpitch bats, batting gloves, and performance apparel with a complete high performance Finch Fastpitch line when she first joined the brand’s roster in 2002. This new multi-year deal between Mizuno and Jennie Finch will lead to even greater success for the category. The Finch Fastpitch line will continue to expand, and Jennie will continue to provide invaluable input into the design and creation of the highest quality, best performing equipment in the market.

Mizuno is currently featuring a Jennie Finch “Think Pink” line of fastpitch equipment. The “Think Pink” collection is a full line of high performance fastpitch ball gloves, cleats, bats, batting gloves, and bags, in Jennie’s statement color, PINK! Also currently in Mizuno’s 2006 line is the Prospect Finch Series of youth ball gloves. The Prospect Finch Series features Mizuno’s patented PowerClose™ technology, which makes it easier for younger players to close the glove and catch the ball. Mizuno’s Prospect Series gloves featuring PowerClose technology, trusted by players and parents, make catching easy.

“Jennie is the most recognized athlete in fastpitch softball, and is an outstanding role model to players of all ages because her excellence transcends softball,” added Puccini. “Her class and character make us proud to be associated with her, and we feel honored that Mizuno continues to be her brand of choice.”