LOS ANGELES -- Like many kids growing up in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Jake Mangum collected Pokémon trading cards and played the popular Nintendo Game Boy video games.
But unlike the millions who played, watched, collected and otherwise engaged with the Japanese media empire that became a global phenomenon (this writer included), Mangum will take his fandom to a new level this weekend at Dodger Stadium.
The Pirates outfielder will wield a trio of Pokémon bats as part of MLB’s Players’ Weekend, during which players are encouraged to let their personalities shine through custom gear.
Some players, like first baseman Spencer Horwitz, are using their equipment to highlight meaningful causes like mental health awareness. Jared Triolo’s custom bats are decorated with, yes, trees. Nick Gonzales put his favorite movie franchise, “John Wick,” on his cleats, while Jacob Gonzalez showcased his love of anime. Brandon Lowe’s bats are a nod to his passion for farming.
But Mangum’s Pokémon bats were the talk of the Pittsburgh clubhouse ahead of its series opener against the Dodgers on Friday.
“I think it’s great that they get to let their personalities come out,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly, who was stumped when asked what he would have put on his bats if given the chance during his playing days.
Mangum tasked the sporting goods company Warstic with creating bats inspired by three of his cards -- Charizard, Venusaur and Blastoise.
“It’s something that I’ve always been into,” Mangum said. “I’ve got the three starter cards. I sent Warstic the cards and then they designed the bats. They did a great job. Warstic always does a great job. Their art department is insane, they crushed it as always.”
Mangum said he’d likely use one bat each game during the series -- hoping none of them break. After the weekend, he’ll display them at home with his Pokémon collection.
“I was born the same year [Pokémon] came out,” he said. “When I was a kid, I played the original Game Boy games. In 2016 I started playing Pokémon Go. Got back into the cards about a year ago. It’s been fun.”
Mangum is an avid Pokémon Go player, and he showed off his 13 four-star Pokémon, also known as “perfect” Pokémon because they possess the highest possible ratings in attack, defense and stamina. He takes advantage of the travel that comes with being a Major Leaguer to collect and train his Pokémon in cities across the country.
So what’s his favorite Pokémon?
“That’s tough,” Mangum said. “Right now, it’s Porygon Z. Right now Porygon 2 but I’ll evolve it into Porygon Z.”
Mangum is far from the only Major Leaguer to enjoy collecting and talking Pokémon. Dodgers veteran utility man Kiké Hernández grew obsessed with his collection during his injury rehab this season, going by the moniker “PoKikémon” online. Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski is an avid collector who has pulled his share of rare cards. And other stars from Chris Sale to Mike Trout have also pulled back the curtain on their fandom.
Mangum said Players’ Weekend, and his custom bats, are the perfect reminder that baseball, at heart, is still just a game.
“At one point we’re all just kids playing this game, for the love of the game,” he said. “Now that we’re older and this is our job, it still is a game we love and [Players’ Weekend] is a good reminder.”