Atlanta Braves legends Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux made their marks on baseball by leading one of the greatest rotations in baseball history. They also left their marks on popular culture when they starred in Nike’s “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” commercial.

Revisiting the Iconic “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” Commercial

In the late 1990s, as baseball fans were captivated by a surge in home run feats from sluggers like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, Nike seized the moment with a commercial that blended humor, star power, and cultural commentary.

The result was the memorable “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” ad, starring Hall of Fame pitchers Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine alongside actress Heather Locklear. While the ad has been cemented as a piece of baseball lore, there are plenty of fascinating details behind its creation that even die-hard fans may not know. Let’s take a closer look at what made this commercial so memorable and enduring.

Everyone Dug the Long Ball in the Late 1990s

The commercial’s release in 1999 came at the height of the “long ball” era. The 1998 home run chase between McGwire and Sosa had reignited interest in baseball following the 1994 strike, and fans couldn’t get enough of the towering homers that seemed to define the sport. This obsession with power hitters provided the perfect backdrop for Nike to introduce a tongue-in-cheek campaign highlighting the unsung heroes of baseball—the pitchers.

Enter Maddux and Glavine. Known for their finesse on the mound, the duo’s pitching mastery relied more on precision and strategy than brute strength. In the commercial, they playfully embraced their perceived lack of glamour, embarking on a quest to win over “chicks” by becoming home run hitters themselves.

Not only did their playing styles clash with the idea of the raw power that had fans flocking to the fields, their physical presentations also clashed with the “power” image. They called the Maddux the “Professor” in part because he looked like he should be teaching a class or perhaps he was an accountant.

Also Read: Crazy Maddux 3-0 Stat is False

Both were great athletes for their craft, but not the Herculean physiques of Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, or Mark McGwire. Those guys were big enough to look believable in the squared circle with the hulks of professional wrestling. You can see Mark McGwire standing next to one of the biggest stars (and men) of WCW in 1998, Bill Goldberg. They look like they could be tag team champs tomorrow.

The Scene they Cut from the “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” Commercial

Tom Glavine revealed during the telecast above that they filmed a Rocky-style meat locker scene that didn’t make the final cut. Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux were punching slabs of raw meat covered in blood.

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Heather Locklear and Home Runs Made This Commercial a Part of Pop Culture

Heather Locklear was a big star in the 90s, known for her role on “90210” and other hit shows. Her cameo in the commercial helped make it more relevant at the time it aired but also made it a time capsule of the late 1990s. Home runs and Heather Locklear.

Glavine would run into Heather Locklear down the road and he joked with her that he saved her career with that commercial.

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Why “Chicks Dig The Long Ball” is Still Remembered Today

The “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” commercial was more than just a clever ad; it was a subtle commentary on the evolving landscape of baseball. Pitchers were often overshadowed by the power of the long ball. Nike helped put the spotlight back on two of the best to toe the rubber.

The phrase itself became part of the baseball lexicon, often referenced in debates about the value of pitching versus hitting. Even decades later, it’s not uncommon to hear fans or analysts jokingly invoke the line when discussing a towering home run or a pitcher’s rare offensive highlight.

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The Legacy Lives On

Over 20 years later, the “Chicks Dig the Long Ball” commercial remains a beloved piece of sports advertising history.

Have any favorite memories of the commercial? Do you remember where you were when this commercial aired? Let us know in the comments below!