NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Thanks to Hankook Tire America Corp., Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw is doing a different kind of pitching.
Kershaw is the face of Hankook's "Never Halfway" marketing campaign with Major League Baseball, starring in a pair of TV commercials that began airing in July: "Long Catch" and "Perfect Pitch."
The "Never Halfway" campaign is the first dedicated solely to the U.S. market since the announcement of a partnership with MLB in 2018. Hankook also will develop "baseball-themed assets" that feature Kershaw in print and digital campaigns.
"Hankook's passion for their tires matches my passion for playing baseball," Kershaw said. "It's exciting that these ads are launching at the same time Major League Baseball is coming back."
In "Long Catch," the Dodger pitching ace gives up what looks like a sure home run, only to use three different vehicles (all using Hankook Tires) to track down the fly ball.
In "Perfect Pitch," Kershaw narrates his thoughts on the mound while trying to choose the right pitch to get the batter to swing and miss. The commercial cuts back and forth between Kershaw and vehicles using Hankook tires.
"We are excited about the launch of the 'Never Halfway' campaign," Hankook Tire America President Sooil Lee said.
"Both commercials show our passion for adventure and a commitment to quality, which also aligns with MLB's philosophy. These commercials demonstrate the strength of our partnership with MLB and will enable us to elevate Hankook Tire's brand across the country."