Baton Rouge, LA October 20, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Marucci Sports, LLC, today announced that former Major League Baseball outfielder and two-time World Series champion Jonny Gomes has joined the company as Head of MLB Player Relations and Global Minister of Culture. A long time Victus Athlete and one of the game’s most recognizable personalities, Gomes will play a key role in strengthening relationships with pro players and advancing the culture that has made Victus and Marucci two of the game’s most respected brands and the Official Bats of MLB.
The appointment comes as Marucci Sports’ begins a new chapter following its recent return to private ownership with a renewed focus on its players, products and the relationships that built its brands.
For Gomes, the connection to the company is personal.
A 13-year MLB veteran, Gomes appeared in 1,203 career games and hitting 162 home runs with 526 RBI. He won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013 and Kansas City Royals in 2015.
But his history with Victus runs almost as deep. Gomes was among the earliest Major League players to embrace Victus bats and became the first player to use a Victus bat in the MLB postseason. In Game 4 of the 2013 World Series, Gomes hit a decisive three-run home run for Boston while swinging a Victus bat — a bat that now resides in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
That history makes Gomes’ new role particularly meaningful for Victus, a brand built around creativity, individuality, craftsmanship and a close connection to the players who use its products.
“I’m most excited to join the company that gave me the best bats in the game and was incredibly loyal to me throughout my playing days,” said Gomes. “Now it’s my turn to give that back to the next generation of players. I want to be a resource for our MLB players and make sure they have everything they need to change the score. At the same time, I want to introduce Marucci and Victus to young athletes around the world who may not have had the opportunity to experience these brands yet — and help grow this great game of baseball.”
Gomes will be based in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he will spend significant time at the brands’ Hitter’s House HQ and with MLB players throughout the offseason and regular season. His responsibilities will include strengthening relationships with current and prospective MLB players, supporting bat development and player service, and serving as an ambassador for Marucci and Victus throughout the baseball community around the world.
His global baseball experience will also be an important part of the role. Following his MLB career, Gomes continued to work throughout the game, including coaching in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He has also competed internationally in MLB Home Run Derby X events across Europe, Seoul, Mexico City, India and Japan, and played winter ball in Mexico, including on a Caribbean Series championship team.
“From the first time I talked to Jonny about getting involved with Marucci Sports, it was obvious that he didn’t just want to represent our brands, he wants to help strengthen them, grow our relationships with players, and be key part of what we are building,” said Kurt Ainsworth, Founder and CEO of Marucci Sports. “Jonny understands what makes Victus and Marucci special because he lived it as a player. He understands the players, he understands the culture, and he understands what it means to build something that players believe in. Having him back in the family is a big deal for us.”
“We’re just getting started,” Ainsworth continued. “Returning to private ownership gives us the opportunity to move quickly, think creatively and focus on what has always made this company successful— great products, great people, and an unwavering commitment to the game. Jonny embodies that and we are excited about what we are building together. And there are more exciting announcements to come.”
Additional details regarding Marucci Sports’ leadership and advisory structure, including the company’s Player Advisory Board, will be announced following the conclusion of the 2026 MLB season.
Photo courtesy of Major League Baseball.
About Jonny Gomes
Jonny Gomes is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and two-time World Series champion who played 13 seasons from 2003-2015. A native of Petaluma, California, Gomes was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2001 out of Santa Rosa Junior College. He finished third in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2005 and went on to play for seven MLB organizations. He was a member of the Boston Red Sox’ 2013 World Series championship team and the Kansas City Royals’ 2015 championship team. Over his MLB career, Gomes appeared in 1,203 games, recording 162 home runs and 526 RBI.
About Marucci Sports, LLC
Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Marucci Sports was founded in 2004 by two former MLB players and LSU’s head athletic trainer, who began handcrafting bats from a backyard shed for some of the best players in the game. Fast forward to today, Marucci has turned into a premier brand in diamond sports across all product categories, from wood and metal bats to fielding gloves and protective gear. Marucci Sports acquired Victus Sports in 2017 and together they are the top two most used bats among professional players. Beginning in 2025, Marucci and Victus are the Official Bats of Major League Baseball, while Lizard Skins – another brand in the Marucci Sports family – is the Official Bat Grip of Major League Baseball. Marucci Sports also owns Baum Bat and The Stable. For more information visit maruccisports.com.
Contact Information:
Marucci Sports
MC Huntsberry
225-224-3691
Contact via Email
https://maruccisports.com/
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