Getting creative with four-time MLB All-Star Ozzie Albies

Athletes are so much more than what you see on the field of play. Take four-time MLB All-Star Ozzie Albies, for example. Not only is he a 2021 World Series champion and All-Star second baseman for the Atlanta Braves, but he’s also a dog lover, animal rights advocate, and so much more. This guy does it all.

• That multi-faceted personality doesn’t always have a chance to shine on the diamond. That’s where MLB™ Players’ Weekend comes in, creating a chance for athletes to share themselves with fans…and do a little good in the process.

“I hope [fans] get to see another side of me,” Ozzie said of MLB’s in-season celebration of its athletes. “Baseball is obviously a huge part of my life, but there’s a lot more to all of us than what people see during a game. Players’ Weekend lets us show some personality and share some of the things that are important to us.”

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🎨 Showcasing what’s important

Albies used Adobe Express to design custom cleats and a one-of-a-kind bat showcasing the causes near and dear to his heart. They feature pops of bright blue and yellow and highlight the Ozzie Albies Foundation, the nonprofit animal rescue organization he and his wife, Andreia, launched in 2022.

• Caring for animals is a family affair. “I’ve always loved animals. My wife and I have a house full of dogs, and once we became more involved in rescue and started seeing how many great dogs needed help, it became something we really cared about.”

He continued, “The Ozzie Albies Foundation gives us an opportunity to do more than just talk about it. We’re able to help dogs get the medical care, training, and support they need and help them find the right homes. Some of the dogs we work with just need someone to give them a chance.

• “Seeing a dog come into the foundation and then watching them learn, gain confidence, and go home with their forever family is probably the best part.” Crying just thinking about it.

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🤗 A win for Ozzie, the dogs, and us

Not only will the Atlanta star have a chance to spotlight his foundation through his Adobe-designed gear, but it’s also a chance to directly give back: Those flashy cleats and dinger-worthy bat will be auctioned off to benefit the Ozzie Albies Foundation. Look good, play good, do good.

For Ozzie, Players’ Weekend was also an opportunity to flex his creative muscles — a skill beneficial on the diamond and beyond. “I think creativity shows up in a lot of different ways. Even in baseball, you’re always making adjustments. Every pitcher is different, every situation is different, and you have to figure things out in real time.”

• “Off the field, I like being involved in creative projects,” he continued. “I like seeing something start as just an idea and then figuring out how to turn it into something real. That’s probably why I enjoyed this project with Adobe so much.”

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🧠 How will you show the world what matters to you?

Whether you’re a home run hitter or a work-from-home entrepreneur, Adobe makes it super easy to tap into that creative energy. Ozzie leveraged their user-friendly templates to create his Players’ Weekend look, and the possibilities are endless for what you can create next.

As you dream about and design up the future, Ozzie is working to stay in the moment while also keeping his eyes on the prize. MLB Playoffs are right around the corner, and Albies and Atlanta are ready to compete.

How does he maintain balance as the competition heats up? “I try not to make things bigger than they need to be. You obviously know how important the games are, especially late in the season, but I try to keep the same routine and take it one game at a time.” Great advice for baseball, and beyond.

• “When I’m away from the field, being home with my family and the dogs helps me reset and get away from baseball for a little bit. Then when I come back to the field, I can focus on competing, helping the team win and enjoying the moment.” Just goes to show, bringing your whole self to the game is an all-around win.