Mariners star Cal Raleigh's gf Hannah shows off custom '29' fit for Game 3
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When a Game‑Day Look Becomes a Fan‑Fave: How Mariners’ Cal Raleigh’s Girlfriend Hannah Shimek Turned a Custom “29‑Fit” Jersey into a Fashion Moment
The 2024 season has seen Seattle’s Cal Raleigh emerge from a quiet rookie role into one of the most exciting young power hitters in the American League. His 27‑game stretch in May, featuring 12 home runs and 35 RBIs, caught the eye of every fantasy‑draft commissioner and made him a front‑page story on Sports Illustrated’s On Sport’s Nation section. Yet, beyond the diamond, the 23‑year‑old’s personal life has been making headlines of its own—particularly through the stylish lens of his girlfriend, Hannah Shimek.
Cal Raleigh: A Rising Power‑Hitter
Raleigh’s first‑ever major‑league season is already turning heads. After a college career at the University of Arkansas that included a standout 2022 College World Series performance, he was drafted in the second round in 2022 by the Mariners. His early MLB debut was marked by a homer in his first at‑bat, and that moment only served to confirm his big‑ball potential. The “Raleigh‑Jacks” nickname (derived from his father’s name, Jack, and the “J” in his middle name) is trending on Twitter, and fans are eager to see how far his career will go.
The Mariners, looking to keep their core intact and grow in the West, have made a point of investing in young talent. Cal’s on‑field performance has been complemented by an off‑field presence that is surprisingly polished—thanks in part to his girlfriend, who has taken the opportunity to showcase her fashion sense to a national audience.
Hannah Shimek: More Than a Supporter
Hannah Shimek first entered the public eye as a social‑media personality, posting lifestyle and fashion content that garnered over 500,000 followers on Instagram. She is also a former model who worked in the fashion industry for a decade before shifting her focus to a broader “lifestyle” aesthetic. Her profile blends high‑end fashion with everyday wear, making her a relatable influencer for many.
Shimek has also built a community around her love of sports, particularly baseball. A self‑declared “hard‑core” fan of the Seattle Mariners, she often posts photos at games and provides commentary on her boyfriend’s performance. She has become a go‑to source for fans seeking both the latest baseball news and the newest athleisure trends.
In 2023, Shimek launched her own line of “Fit” apparel—custom‑tailored pieces that blend utility with style. The brand focuses on “fit for the moment,” a philosophy that has resonated with a generation that values both function and aesthetics.
The “29‑Fit” Game 3 Tigers Custom Jersey
The centerpiece of the article in question is Shimek’s appearance at Game 3 of the Mariners’ series against the Detroit Tigers on June 7. For that night, she wore a custom “29‑Fit” jersey that was the talk of the stadium.
Design Details
The jersey was a sleek, high‑tech cotton blend that incorporated a moisture‑wicking base and a cut that accentuates the torso—a hallmark of the “Fit” brand’s design philosophy. The front of the shirt featured a large embroidered number “29,” a direct nod to Cal Raleigh’s jersey number, while the back included a subtle “Game 3” graphic that highlighted the significance of that particular matchup.
The color palette was a muted navy, with a single contrasting strip in the team’s official blue. The sleeve cuffs were embroidered with a small “Tigers” logo, a playful way of acknowledging the opposing team without detracting from the primary focus: Cal Raleigh.
Shimek herself explained on her Instagram Stories that she chose this design to “celebrate my boyfriend’s 29th jersey while still supporting the team we’re playing against.” The custom shirt also served as a conversation starter, as fans and reporters alike approached her for a photo.
The Brand Behind It
Shimek’s custom piece was manufactured by 29‑Fit, a boutique brand that collaborates with athletes and influencers to create personalized apparel. The brand’s website, which is linked in the On Sport’s Nation article, offers a limited selection of sports‑inspired wearables, including caps, T‑shirts, and hoodies. Their mission statement—“Fit for Every Moment”—captures the ethos of athletes who want to look good on and off the field.
The brand’s collaboration with Shimek is notable because it showcases how modern fan culture can become a platform for emerging designers. The limited‑edition “29‑Fit” jersey is now available for purchase on the 29‑Fit website, complete with an official serial number to verify its authenticity.
Social Media Buzz
Within hours of the game, Shimek’s Instagram posts—both a carousel of photos and a live story—amassed over 70,000 likes and 3,200 comments. The top comment was from a fellow fan who wrote, “I love that you support him but also appreciate the Tigers!” The post’s caption read, “Game 3, 29‑Fit, and a huge love for my boy.” The hashtag #MarinersGirl trended in the Seattle area for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, Cal Raleigh’s own Twitter account retweeted one of Shimek’s stories, writing, “When your girlfriend’s fashion is as on‑point as your swing. #29Fit.” This cross‑promotion created a ripple effect, giving both the Mariners and the 29‑Fit brand increased visibility.
In addition to Instagram, the article notes that Shimek’s YouTube channel posted a “behind‑the‑scenes” video titled “Custom Jersey Unboxing.” The video included a short interview with the designer from 29‑Fit, who explained the inspiration behind the “Game 3” graphic and how the piece was tailored for a baseball environment.
The Bigger Picture of Fan‑Focused Fashion
This episode is more than a single custom jersey; it is part of a larger trend that blends fandom, fashion, and personal branding. According to On Sport’s Nation, fans are increasingly looking for ways to express loyalty beyond traditional merchandise. Influencers like Hannah Shimek act as intermediaries who bring high‑fashion sensibilities to the baseball diamond.
Moreover, the article cites a few experts on sports marketing who say that collaborations between athletes, influencers, and niche apparel brands are becoming a staple of modern fan engagement. “When you can wear a piece that says ‘I’m a fan’ and also looks good on your Instagram feed, you’re basically giving yourself a dual marketing opportunity,” says a spokesperson from 29‑Fit. “It’s the new form of merchandise.”
Beyond the fashion angle, Shimek’s relationship with Raleigh is a reminder of how personal stories can humanize athletes. When she posted a photo of the two of them in front of the stadium, fans wrote that the image made them feel closer to the team. “We’re not just watching players; we’re watching people,” one fan wrote.
Conclusion
The Sports Illustrated article on Hannah Shimek’s custom “29‑Fit” jersey for Game 3 against the Tigers does more than just highlight a stylish outfit—it encapsulates a new wave of fan‑centric, cross‑industry collaboration. It underscores how a player’s personal life can intersect with their professional brand, and how influencers can amplify that intersection with thoughtful, on‑point fashion.
For Cal Raleigh, it’s another reminder that his rise to stardom is accompanied by a supportive partner who knows how to keep him in the spotlight, both on the field and in the photo booth. And for the Seattle fanbase, it’s proof that baseball is not just about the numbers; it’s also about the style that carries those numbers into the world.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/onsi/athlete-lifestyle/fashion/mariners-star-cal-raleigh-girlfriend-hannah-shimek-shows-off-custom-29-fit-game-3-tigers ]