Two prominent New York streetwear brands have launched distinct merchandise collections aimed at fans of the city's Major League Baseball teams, sparking a friendly rivalry ahead of the next Subway Series. Eric Emanuel's namesake brand has partnered with the New York Mets, while Goat USA has released a line for the New York Yankees.
Eric Emanuel, known for his athletic-inspired apparel, introduced a capsule collection for the Mets on July 10. The line includes shorts, tees, hoodies, New Era hats, and a limited-edition nacho helmet, with prices ranging from $68 to $168. Mets players A.J. Ewing and Brett Baty are featured as the team faces for the collection, which is available on Emanuel's website and at his SoHo store. Emanuel described the Mets as an "iconic" New York team and emphasized his brand's ability to create a "gorgeous moment" with its stadium activations, including giving away shirts and the unique nacho helmets. He stated that no other New York brand can currently compete with his label in the streetwear space.
In the Bronx, Goat USA has collaborated with the Yankees on an exclusive merchandise drop. This collection features graphic tees priced at $59 and hoodies at $124, all bearing the brand's mascot, Chuck the Goat, depicted in a Yankees uniform. First baseman Ben Rice is the face of the Yankees collection. Dylan McLaughlin, co-founder of Goat USA, highlighted the community aspect of the collaboration, aiming for Chuck the Goat to be a unifying mascot akin to Mickey Mouse or Hello Kitty. McLaughlin stressed the brand's commitment to quality and durability in its apparel, positioning it as a premium alternative to typical sports merchandise.
McLaughlin referred to his brand's mascot as "the actual goat" and suggested that this aligns with the Yankees being the "baseball GOAT." He emphasized that his Yankees collection is "as much about community as it is about the win," aiming to bring people together through "fun" rather than just betting.
Despite recent on-field performances, with the Yankees' Ben Rice participating in a recent Netflix Home Run Derby and the Mets losing a game to the Red Sox, both brands appear optimistic. Emanuel noted that while the Mets may not always win on the field, his brand aims for overall victory in the streetwear arena. The next Subway Series between the Mets and Yankees is scheduled for September 11-13.
