Padres Collaboration Increases Demand for Oceanside Hat Manufacturer
- October 12, 2024
- Posted by: Regent Harbor Team
- Category: Business
## Hats Off to Oceanside’s Austin Zito
In the heart of Oceanside, something quite extraordinary is happening. It’s not just the waves that draw attention. A remarkable hat-making venture is turning heads, quite literally, and the Yankees might just have the Padres to thank for that.
### From Baseball Fields to Hat Racks
Austin Zito, the man behind the magic, meticulously crafts each hat from scratch. But for Zito, the artistry does not end with the final product. “The people aspect. Every hat is made for somebody,” Zito enthuses. “Even the ones on the rack- I’m imagining someone wearing these at some point.”
It’s personal, almost a calling. His passion shines brighter than Times Square on New Year’s Eve. But who could have predicted that his journey would lead him to the Padres? “Including the Padres, that one was a surprise to me actually,” he admits, chuckling at his newfound connection.
### When the Padres Came Knocking
This hat-making maestro caught the eye of the Padres in July. His intricate designs and local flair inspired them to ask for something special. The Padres wanted hats for their All Star Game players. Zito’s heart was all in, he proudly shares, “The Padres are really good about supporting local businesses which makes me really proud they selected me because I grew up here.”
With dreams woven into every stitch, Zito took on the challenge. In one whirlwind week, he crafted five custom hats — no small feat!
### Working Around the Clock
Zito locked himself in, working 18-hour days. His focus was razor-sharp. The deadline loomed like a New York marathon. Yet, he crafted with precision, capturing every detail. On [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/), he shared his journey — a visual symphony of creativity and dedication.
### Craftsmanship with Heart and Soul
Inside each hat, ASG 2024 was stitched in — a nod to the All Star Game. He even etched players’ jersey numbers in brass. One by one, the pieces fell into place, creating wearable art.
### Going Viral: A Bronx Twist?
When [Fernando Tatis Jr.](https://www.mlb.com/player/fernando-tatis-jr-665487) shared a video of his hat, Zito’s world changed forever. His business soared, buzzing with new customers. “I would love the opportunity to keep making those,” Zito muses. “I’d love to partner with the Padres and see how we can make those available to everybody.”
### Swinging for the Fences
As Zito’s story spreads across Oceanside and beyond, Tatis Jr.’s endorsement echoes through baseball towns everywhere. Austin Zito might just be the city’s newest sensation, and he’s swinging for the fences.
In the lyrical words of a beaming new entrepreneur, time will tell if this New Yorker’s talent garners a home-run partnership with the Padres. But one thing’s for certain, the local pride, passion, and intricate artistry keep Oceanside’s newest star shining ever brighter.
