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Sponsorships, Promotions
News regarding sponsorship agreements in baseball, as well as promotions
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 13 April 2010 19:24 |
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Fomer All-Star and co-World Series MVP, Curt Schilling, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Sportbox, a sportsmarketing and advisory firm and long standing licensee of Major League Baseball.
Schilling, who resides in Medfield, MA, becomes part of the 6-member board of the Boston-based company, which initially secured a license in 2003 to produce an enhanced in-ballpark experience with a line of team-branded radios that provides fans with the home club’s live radio broadcasts.
Sportbox has also been granted a license for MLB-branded consumer electronics and a large assortment of tools, the details of which are being announced in the near future.
“We’re honored to welcome Curt to our Board, and pleased that he accepted our outreach,” said company president Bill Frabizio. “Throughout a 20-year career in Major League Baseball, and still today, Curt’s name and reputation is synonymous with hard work, pride and dedication to his profession with unparalleled toughness.
“Since my retirement, I have had many business opportunities to consider. Bill's presentation of Sportbox's plans, along with his determination to set the bar high for his growing company, made this feel right for me," noted Schilling. "Their newest license fits perfectly into my own interests, and I hope I can add good counsel to the company.”
Business of Sports Network Launches Autism Awareness Campaign
 Click to donate to Autism Speaks |
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 06 April 2010 23:05 |
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As promotions go, this one was the fuzziest...
At tonight’s Twins-Angels game in Anaheim, each fan was given a red complimentary Hideki Matsui Blankie, or as many of you call it, a snuggie. The plan was for every fan at the ballpark to wear the fleece goodness for five consecutive minutes thus setting Guinness Book of World Record for the "largest gathering of people wearing fleece blankets."
Well, the record was broken tonight as a near sellout crowd broke the former record of 17,758 set by the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 5, 2010. Announced attendance for the game was 43,510.
Business of Sports Network Launches Autism Awareness Campaign
 Click to donate to Autism Speaks |
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 06 April 2010 13:07 |
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Maybe there’s an upside to all the broken bats in Major League Baseball, after all.
The Minnesota Twins and Minnesota State Parks and Trails today announced a new partnership called “Break a Bat, Plant a Tree.”
According to the Twins, “Every time a Minnesota Twins pitcher breaks the bat of an opposing player during the 2010 season, Minnesota State Parks and Trails will plant 100 trees in one of the 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas or along one of the 21 Minnesota state trails.”
The Twins claim that on average, a team breaks one bat every game. That would result in 16,200 new trees planted on Minnesota state parks and trails as a result of Break a Bat, Plant a Tree.
"Minnesota state parks and trails are a treasure for residents of Twins Territory. This program is a unique chance for the Twins to reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship and help ensure our Minnesota state parks and trails remain healthy and vibrant. We're thrilled to partner with Minnesota State Parks and Trails to repopulate our forests each time a Twins pitcher 'saws off' an opponent's bat," said Minnesota Twins Vice President of Marketing Patrick Klinger.
 Click to donate to Autism Speaks |
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Friday, 02 April 2010 11:55 |
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Arguably, there may have been nothing cooler in fashion out of the '80s than Vans shoes. The checkboard skate shoe was something that, if you didn't skate, you had to have after seeing Fast Times at Ridgemont High (who can forget Spicoli hitting his head with them while on the phone?)
Now Vans has teamed with Majestic Athletic and Major League Baseball Properties to bring the classic shoe styles to Americas National Pastime.
Available only at select Vault by Vans retailers, the Vans Opening Day Collection, is an extremely limited edition offering consisting of:
- A pair of premium Vault by Vans skate shoes with official Major League Baseball logos and colors. Shoes are premium material versions of Vans favorites such as Authentic, Old Skool and Classic Slip-On.
- A special Authentic Collection jersey by Majestic Athletic featuring Vans markings, each jersey is individually numbered for authenticity.
Only one dozen pairs of each version will be available. The 15-team collection debuts Saturday, April 3 with the Boston Red Sox version. The other 14 versions will become available on the day of each Clubs home opener.
(see images below of selected styles)
"When creating Vault by Vans releases, it's always our goal to bring truly unique product to market," said Vans Product Director Steve Mills. "With the high-quality workmanship and exclusive nature of the Vault by Vans Opening Day Collection, we're sure to create excitement around Vans, Majestic Athletic and the start of the Major League Baseball season."
"From the Yankee pinstripes to Padre camouflage, Vans and Majestic have created unique once-in-a-lifetime collectors items", said Jim Pisani, President, Majestic Athletic.
With Opening Day right around the corner, Major League Baseball knows its fans are enthusiastically seeking new and unique ways to support their favorite team, said Howard Smith, SVP of Licensing, Major League Baseball. "Together with Vault by Vans and Majestic, we are offering fans an exclusive way to tout their team spirit just in time for their favorite teams first pitch of the season."
Select the images below to see in larger view
Source: Majestic Athletic
 Click to donate to Autism Speaks |
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Tuesday, 30 March 2010 20:48 |
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Expanding on the brand reach of the Twins through their new stadium set to open this season, Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today announced it is now the Official Airline of the Minnesota Twins.
As part of the multi-year, multi-million dollar partnership, Delta will sponsor the Delta SKY360 Legends Club, a club-level space where the airline will offer fans an opportunity to sample the world-class Delta brand and customer experience. The area encompasses the 16 sections of the Club Level and its elevated position allows for some of the best views of the new Target Field, where the Twins will host their first regular season home game April 12 in front of an expected capacity crowd of approximately 40,000.
A unique feature of the Delta SKY360 Legends Club will be a Concierge Desk staffed by many of Delta's finest frontline employees. The agents, outfitted in Delta's signature "red coats", will partner with a Twins Guest Service Representative at approximately 40 home games throughout the season to answer questions as well as provide outstanding customer service.
"As the Official Airline of the Twins, this new ballpark offers us a unique opportunity to take our relationship with the team and its loyal fans to a new level," said Bill Lentsch, Delta's senior vice president – Minnesota Operations. "We are excited to bring the distinctive Delta brand and experience to life for baseball fans visiting the new Delta SKY360 Legends Club. This latest commitment to the Twins, an organization that is an integral part of Minneapolis/St. Paul, is yet another way we're reinforcing our commitment to the community."
"Our longstanding relationship with Northwest Airlines is one we are very proud of," said Dave St. Peter, president of the Minnesota Twins. "As we move into our new home at Target Field, we welcome our friends and partners at Delta Air Lines to their new home in Minneapolis/St. Paul, and look forward to many more years of success as the home teams."
Delta also has a luxury suite section within new Yankee Stadium as part of Delta being the Official Airline of the Yankees. The Delta Sky360 Suite includea a permanent scoreboard advertisement in left field; home plate and baseline rotational signage; HD centerfield scoreboard and Terrace Level LED branding; and print advertisements in Yankees publications.
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(THE BIZ OF HOCKEY)
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 29 March 2010 12:17 |
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President of the United States Barack Obama will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park in Washington D.C. prior to the 2010 season opener between the Washington Nationals and the defending National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, April 5 at 1:05 p.m.
“Opening Day of the baseball season is a special event for our country and its importance has been reinforced by the 100-year history of Presidential participation,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig, who will be in attendance for the historic First Pitch. “I am proud that President Obama will continue the long Presidential tradition of throwing out the first pitch of Opening Day in Washington D.C. ”
Obama’s appearance will mark the 100th anniversary of the first time a U.S. President threw an Opening Day first pitch and the 48th time a President has done so in Washington , D.C. On April 14, 1910, William Howard Taft began the tradition before the Washington Senators went on to defeat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0 behind a one-hit, complete game shutout by Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson.
Therefore it’s only fitting that 100 years later, Washington once again faces their neighbors to the north in a highly-anticipated Opening Day showdown. This year, the Nationals made various changes during the offseason, adding plenty of new faces to the roster including Catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, Pitchers Brian Bruney, Matt Capps and Jason Marquis, and Second Baseman Adam Kennedy. These and other new additions will join Nationals veterans Adam Dunn, Ryan Zimmerman and John Lannan, who will take the mound against Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Roy Halladay following pregame ceremonies that begin at 12:30 p.m.
"Across the country, Opening Day is a celebration of the return of hometown baseball and the glorious days of Spring," said Nationals Managing Principal Owner Theodore N. Lerner. "It’s a time of renewed hope and optimism for fans everywhere. The Lerner and Nationals family are honored that President Obama will mark that moment with us at the home of the national pastime in the nation’s capital."
Although individual tickets are no longer available, the club is offering 400 seats in sections 401 and 402 for only $5 starting at 10:00am on game day at Nationals Park Main Box Office. Due to enhanced security and an anticipated sold out crowd, fans are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy pregame festivities which include live music and kid’s activities.
FAN PROMOTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
- The first 20,000 fans to enter the ballpark will receive a replica batting practice hat presented by GEICO
- The enhanced Miller Lite Scoreboard Walk will host Miller Lite Party Nights on Opening Day and Thursday, Friday and Saturday game days throughout the season featuring:
- $5 beer specials (for the first 2.5 hours after gates open)
- Pregame entertainment featuring bands (Fridays) and DJ’s (Thursdays and Saturdays)
- Opportunities to play shuffleboard, corn hole, ring toss and various other games
- Special guest appearances by celebrity bartenders
- Half Street festivities will include balloons, sidewalk art and a live band
- Concourse entertainment will include a DJ performing at CF Plaza in the NatMobile, balloon artists, face painters and more
- The Nat Pack will throw T-shirts to fans throughout the opening ceremonies and the game
Source: Washington Nationals, Major League Baseball
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 29 March 2010 11:57 |
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All manner of the Mouse and MLB licensed products will be coming your way soon as Major League Baseball and the Disney Co. have reached a cross-licensing deal that will put see marks from each on products. What do we mean? Imagine a possible Mets jersey with Mickey Mouse on it. Or, a possible Donald Duck decorative item where he’s wearing a Yankees cap. As reported by Terry Lofton of the SportsBusiness Journal, the deal is a big win for MLB that has pursued for a decade:
The licensing program will include caps, apparel, novelties and possibly children’s footwear. While some limited product combining Mickey Mouse and other classic Disney cartoon characters with MLB logos could be at retail as soon as next month, the program will officially launch at retail in and around the July 13 All-Star Game being held in Disney’s hometown of Anaheim.
Another part of the agreement will see Mickey Mouse/MLB statues placed throughout Anaheim during All-Star Week, similar to the Gateway Arch models scattered around St. Louis last July and the Statue of Liberty/MLB-logoed replicas around New York City during the 2008 All-Star Game. About 67,000 10-inch-tall replicas of those MLB Statues of Liberty were sold. Given the power of Mickey Mouse and other venerable Disney cartoon characters at retail, MLB hopes that 100,000 of those replica statues will be purchased this year.
Lofton adds that MLB’s biggest licensees are already on-board with the cross-licensing deal, including “on-field cap rights holder New Era, as well as VF, whose Majestic Athletic brand holds exclusive MLB uniform rights. Also in the mix is New Era’s 5th & Ocean apparel brand, along with novelty/accessory licensee Team Beans/Forever Collectibles, which will make the Mickey Mouse/MLB statues. There will also be cross-licensed pins and plush.”
The timing of the deal makes sense with the All-Star Game being played at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, just down the street from Disneyland.
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 29 March 2010 11:09 |
  License to line drive - Fans can now purchase these license plates after a deal bewteen the the Brewers and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
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The Milwaukee Brewers along with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have announced that beginning today, two versions of Wisconsin license plates featuring the Brewers logos will be made available for Wisconsin drivers. It is the first time that specialty plates in Wisconsin will feature the Milwaukee Brewers logo.
The plate options include Brewers “M” or the Brewers “Ball-and-Glove” logo.
Fans will also have the option of personalizing their plates.
“In recent years, we have had numerous inquiries from fans about creating a Brewers-themed license plate, and we’re pleased to be able to make this a reality,” said Brewers Executive Vice President – Business Operations Rick Schlesinger. “We want to thank the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for its work and interest in creating this opportunity.”
The Brewers plate fees include an issuance fee of $15, plus an annual $25 contribution that may be tax-deductible, in addition to the regular registration fee. WisDOT will collect implementation costs for the new plates from the initial $25 donations. Thereafter, the Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, which oversees Miller Park on behalf of the taxpayers of the five counties comprising the district, will receive the extra $25, less a 2% licensing fee to Major League Baseball. All proceeds received by the District will be fully and solely dedicated to the retirement of the Miller Park stadium construction debt.
The personalized Brewers plate is available for the annual $15 personalization fee, annual $25 donation, and the normal registration cost.
Information is available online beginning today at www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/personal/special/index.htm. Applications for Brewers plates, including personalized plates, will be accepted by mail or in person at Wisconsin DOT Offices that provide registration services throughout the state. Customers may check online to see what services are available near them: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/about/locate/dmv/scmap.htm#city
Additionally, fans who bring in their new Brewers license plates to the Brewers Team Store by Majestic during the month of April will receive 10% off their order. This offer is valid only on days when the Brewers are not playing a home game.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 24 March 2010 11:24 |
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On Saturday, April 10, Houston will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the change from Colt .45s to Astros by wearingthese unis similar to the ones first worn on April 12, 1965 in the Astrodome vs. Philadelphia |
The 2010 season marks the 45th Anniversary of the Houston franchise being renamed the Houston Astros. To commemorate the occasion, on Saturday, April 10, both the Astros and visiting Phillies will wear 1965 uniforms similar to the ones worn during the first regular-season game Houston played as the Astros on April 12, 1965 in the Astrodome vs. Philadelphia.
The Astros uniforms will feature the original shooting star jersey top and navy blue cap with orange star. A 1965 replica Astros jersey, sponsored by AT&T, will be given away to the first 10,000 fans in attendance.
The day will also include ballpark entertainment features from the 1965 season and a special pregame ceremony featuring several members of the original 1965 Astros team, including Bob Aspromonte, Ronald G. Brand, Danny Coombs, Larry Dierker, Mike White, and Jimmy Wynn, as well as former Astros radio broadcaster Gene Elston. Some of those returning members from the historic team will also sign autographs at Minute Maid Park prior to the game.
As part of the April 10 anniversary celebration, the Astros have set aside 1,965 tickets in the View Deck II and Outfield Deck sections to be offered at $3.50, which is the same as the 1965 price of Astrodome tickets for box seats and several upper level sections. This special pricing is only available online at www.astros.com while supplies last. Special pricing for food and beverages will be offered as well, including $1.00 hot dogs, compliments of Classic Foods, and $1.00 Coca-Cola Classic fountain sodas (while supplies last).
Source: Houston Astros
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(BIZ OF HOCKEY)
(BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK)
(BIZ OF FOOTBALL)
(SPORTS BASH)
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 00:59 |
 Green Cubs PJs? Click for larger view |
Green Cubs pajamas? A green and orange Yankees hat? Purists may turn up their nose, but hey... It must be St. Patrick's Day.
Fans of all 30 Major League Baseball teams looking for an edge can try to tap into the “Luck o’ the Irish.” In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, MLB is once again creating special St. Patrick’s Day products. Shamrocks and other St. Patrick’s Day imagery will make their way on to fun items including MLB pins, pennants and flags. Other popular items that tout St. Patrick’s Day themed iconography include novelty baseballs, mini-bats, golf balls, drink ware and more.
Fans can also purchase hats, tees, hoodies, jerseys, track jackets, pajama pants, onesies and other items to be outfitted with St. Patrick’s Day flair.
These and other St. Patrick’s Day themed products are now available at MLB.com and through assorted local retailers in key MLB markets.
Source: Major League Baseball
OTHER NEWS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK
(SPORTS BASH)
Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is available for hire or freelance. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter 
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