To commemorate his historic start in the major leagues, and as a thank-you to Tigers fans, Akil Baddoo entered the non-fungible token (NFT) market with a limited three-piece collection of exclusive digital artwork designed by renowned artist Dan Abrams of Athletes Logos.
NFTs are one-of-a-kind digital collectibles with a built-in certificate of authenticity. Each NFT is unique, and can only have one owner, making them highly collectible. The technology, which has existed since the mid-2010s, has become increasingly popular over the last few years with artists and athletes. Baddoo is the first Tigers player to offer such digital assets.
A portion of the proceeds from this limited-edition NFT sale benefited two community organizations: Detroit R.B.I. (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Youth Baseball and Softball program; and RISE, a national nonprofit with a strong Detroit presence that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
“I’ve always been a person that is looking to give back and set an example for the young people that are watching me,” Baddoo said. “The NFTs were a way for me to do that, while at the same time thanking the city of Detroit for all the love and support they have shown me and my family during Spring Training and the start of the season. I’m thrilled that we were able to donate some of the proceeds from the NFT sale to the Detroit R.B.I. program as well as RISE, two organizations that are important to me for the work that they do and what they stand for.”
Baddoo wasted no time endearing himself Tigers to fans when he hit a home run in his first MLB at bat. The rookie outfielder then hit a grand slam in his second game and a walk-off single in his third, thereby making Major League Baseball history. Since then, fans can be heard yelling “DOOOOO” when he comes to the plate or makes a play, echoing the way fans would yell “LOOOOO” to cheer on legendary Tiger Lou Whitaker.
The limited NFT sale is now closed. Learn more about the exclusive NFT collection and purchase other limited-edition Baddoo items at www.akilbaddoo60.com.
