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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 July 2010 19:03 |
This rare proof auctioned for $316,250 on Tues. during the MLB All-Star
Game FanFest (CREDIT: HUNT AUCTIONS)
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A Honus Wagner T206 Tobacco Card proof strip fetched $316,250.00 in the Hunt Auctions Live Auction at MLB All-Star FanFest in Anaheim, CA Tuesday. The "hammer" price when the gavel hit for the final bid was $275,00 there is a buyers premium of 15% you add that to the hammer price for the final selling price. The proof strip is the original, uncut version of the famed Honus Wagner card, the most coveted card in the collecting hobby.
”The price realized by the proof strip of the Honus Wagner card reflects not only the iconic status of the Wagner card but also the strength and stability of the sports memorabilia market in our current economic era,” said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions.
Between the period of 1909-11, the American Tobacco Company produced a series of color lithographic baseball cards toi be inserted into sixteen different brands of cigarettes as a promotional tool. The officering was hugely successful due in part to to the popularity of baseball during the period and the attractive color lithographic design of the cards. As time passed, and the collectability of the set increased a number of rarities and errors were discovered as could be expected from a set of this size and distribution from the early part of the century. It became very clear, however, that the card of Honus Wagner was in fact exceptionally scare, As early as the 1930s, price guides for the T-206 set listed most cards at around 30 cents while the Wagner cards was at $5.00, a stupendous price for the era. Rather quickly the card would become the most desired in the collecting world achieving iconic status as featured in publications, books, and film. Values escalated from $10,000 in the early 1980s to several examples recently exceeding $1 million and $2 million respectively.
The T-206 piece up for auction at the FanFest includes four other players: Mordecai Brown (HOF), Frank Bowerman, Cy Young (HOF), and Johnny Kling, along with Wagner (second from left).
Hunt Auctions offered close to 700 pieces of sports history to the highest bidders. Other top sellers in today’s auction include:
- Roberto Clemente autographed professional model glove- SALE PRICE $115,000.00
- Chili Davis’ 1998 & 1999 Yankees World Series trophies & 1999 World Championship ring- TOTAL SALE PRICE $93,150.00
- Jackie Robinson professional model baseball bat c.1953- SALE PRICE $63,250.00
- Joe DiMaggio professional model baseball bat c.1940-42- SALE PRICE $46,000.00
- Kirby Puckett 1991 World Series Minnesota Twins Jersey- SALE PRICE $23,000.00
(Look for updates from the All-Star Game here on The Biz of Baseball, and on Twitter @BizBallMaury, through Weds.)
 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, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog. 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 
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 05 July 2010 14:03 |
This rare proof is expected to go for at least $250,000 at auction during the
MLB All-Star Game FanFest (CREDIT: HUNT AUCTIONS)
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The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time… - Terence Mann (Field of Dreams)
There are certainly occasions where football, hockey, and basketball memorabilia are given to the highest bidder at auction, but it is baseball that finds the most impassioned buyers who are willing to send greatly to land rare pieces. The reasons are most often rooted in Terence Mann’s memorable quote from Field of Dreams; it is baseball’s incredible history that has marked the time.
Over the past several years at the MLB All-Star Game, Hunt Auctions has put a dizzying array of items up for bid at the FanFest, this year to be held on Tuesday, July 10th at 10am PT. The centerpiece of the auction is displayed above; an exceptionally rare T-206 Honus Wagner tobacco proof strip c. 1909-11.
Between the period of 1909-11, the American Tobacco Company produced a series of color lithographic baseball cards toi be inserted into sixteen different brands of cigarettes as a promotional tool. The officering was hugely successful due in part to to the popularity of baseball during the period and the attractive color lithographic design of the cards. As time passed, and the collectability of the set increased a number of rarities and errors were discovered as could be expected from a set of this size and distribution from the early part of the century. It became very clear, however, that the card of Honus Wagner was in fact exceptionally scare, As early as the 1930s, price guides for the T-206 set listed most cards at around 30 cents while the Wagner cards was at $5.00, a stupendous price for the era. Rather quickly the card would become the most desired in the collecting world achieving iconic status as featured in publications, books, and film. Values escalated from $10,000 in the early 1980s to several examples recently exceeding $1 million and $2 million respectively.
The T-206 piece up for auction at the FanFest includes four other players: Mordecai Brown (HOF), Frank Bowerman, Cy Young (HOF), and Johnny Kling, along with Wagner (second from left). How much will the rare piece go for? It is likely to be well in excess of $250,000, according to David Hunt of Hunt Auctions.
The Biz of Baseball will be reporting from the All-Star Game beginning next Monday and will update on Tuesday morning on this story.
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, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog. 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
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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, 11 June 2010 15:15 |
See examples of 60 years of Peanuts
(Click to see in larger view)
PEANUTS:
© United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
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Hard as it may be to believe, the forever-youthful, baseball-loving Peanuts gang turns 60 this year. It was October 2, 1950, when cartoonist Charles Schulz first introduced his comic strip featuring the wise and witty child philosophers who would become global icons within a few short years. To celebrate this momentous occasion, numerous events are being held across the globe, including a variety of Major League Baseball events that celebrate the Peanuts characters’ (perhaps-unrequited) love of the game. In addition, a myriad of special Peanuts books, tees, plush and memorabilia can help fans savor the joy of the anniversary for years to come.
Major League Baseball teams including the San Francisco Giants, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Minnesota Twins are also on board and will host 60th anniversary days with various activities including bobblehead giveaways and other Peanuts-themed activities. All nine Cedar Point locations will celebrate with themed parties at each park. Hallmark, the exclusive destination for Peanuts 60th anniversary product such as plush, giftware and Keepsakes ornaments, will feature Peanuts prominently throughout the year. Whether you’re a dogged Snoopy devotee, a Linus lover or Charlie Brown champion, you’ll find a special way to celebrate—from ballpark outings to gift-collecting and much more.
PEANUTS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Go to Bat for Peanuts!
Charles Schulz loved baseball—and so does the Peanuts gang. Though Charlie Brown’s hapless team may not ever win a game, dozens of “Peanuts” comic strips find them out in the ballpark fielding flies (and, sadly, dropping them) and throwing witticisms from the outfield. This summer, Major League Baseball teams around the country are hosting special Peanuts Anniversary events: June 13—San Francisco
San Francisco Giants vs Oakland A’s
AT&T Park
1:05 p.m.
Lucy serves as guest of honor for “Girl’sDay!” when the team honors female athletes from the Bay Area. The first 20,000 guests will receive a Lucy bobblehead. June 20 (Father’s Day)—Detroit
Detroit Tigers vs Arizona Diamondbacks
Comerica Park
1:05 p.m.
“Every Kid, Every Sunday.” Snoopy throws out the first pitch and every kid in attendance receives a Charlie Brown bobblehead. June 26—Anaheim, California
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Colorado Rockies
Angel Stadium
7:05 p.m.
“Peanuts 60th Anniversary Angels Snoopy Bobblehead courtesy of Knott’s Berry Farm Camp Snoopy.” Snoopy helps throw out the first pitch, and all kids ages 2–18 receive a Snoopy bobblehead. August 8—Cleveland, Ohio Minnesota Twins vs Cleveland Indians Progressive Field 1:05p.m. Peanuts costumed characters from Cedar Point will be at the game
August 15—St. Paul, Minnesota
Minnesota Twins vs Oakland A’s
Target Field
1:10 p.m.
A special occasion in Charles Schulz’s hometown, where Charlie Brown’s dreams of baseball glory were born! Event details will be forthcoming.
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, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog. 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, 31 May 2010 00:37 |
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Major League Baseball will begin its third year of national fundraising and awareness initiatives for Welcome Back Veterans, a program which addresses the needs of returning American Veterans and their families. With the support of Major League Baseball and its Clubs, Welcome Back Veterans since 2008 has awarded $8.3 million in grants to 30 non-profit agencies across the country targeting veterans’ greatest needs, including mental health and job training/placement. At three key points of national reflection during the baseball season -- Memorial Day (May 31), Independence Day weekend (July 4) and Patriot Day (September 11) -- all Clubs will participate in a number of initiatives to support Welcome Back Veterans. For games on Memorial Day, all Major League Baseball Clubs will wear special new “Stars & Stripes” caps. The caps will have the American flag etched into the team’s logo and for the first time, will be off-white in color with red or blue brims (the Toronto Blue Jays hat will incorporate a Maple Leaf design instead of the “Stars & Stripes”). These MLB Authentic Collection caps, produced by New Era, are available for sale to the public at www.mlb.com. Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. will donate all of the proceeds it receives from the sale of the caps to Welcome Back Veterans. In addition, MLB.com will donate an additional $1 to Welcome Back Veterans for each cap purchased through www.mlb.com.
Pictured are the caps to be worn by the 2009 World Champion New York Yankees and National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies. Also on Memorial Day, Major League Baseball once again will participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, with all games in progress pausing at 3:00 p.m. ET to encourage all citizens to reflect on
the sacrifices made by those who have served in the armed forces. “As a social institution, Major League Baseball considers it a privilege to assist our troops in any way possible,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “We are proud to help Welcome Back Veterans provide funding to such worthy institutions helping our troops, and we ask our fans to join us on Memorial Day and beyond in this effort to raise awareness and support for this important cause.” “Helping our troops is a cause very close to my heart, and I’m glad to see Major League Baseball will once again pledge their support on Memorial Day and beyond,” said San Francisco Giants pitcher and founder of Strikeouts For Troops, Barry Zito. “I’ll wear my Stars & Stripes cap proudly that day, and I encourage all my fellow players to get involved, give back to those who give so much and show these brave men and women how much we care about them.” “We are honored to support those who have served our country and their families who have given so much,” said David D. Hiller, president and CEO of the McCormick Foundation. “We are proud to join Major League Baseball in this effort and provide matching dollars to help our servicemen and women successfully return to life with their families and communities." “Major League Baseball’s powerful commitment to supporting our soldiers and their families is truly inspirational,” said President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), Lisa Paulsen. “EIF
is proud to join MLB and the fans of America’s pastime in honoring and celebrating the lives of America’s heroes.” Welcome Back Veterans is an MLB Charities initiative in partnership with the McCormick Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The program is supported by Major League Baseball Advanced Media and MLB Network. Welcome Back Veterans has awarded $8.3 million in grants to 30 non-profit agencies across the country targeting veterans’ and their families greatest needs. For additional information on Welcome Back Veterans, please go to www.WelcomeBackVeterans.org. Source: Major League Baseball
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, as well as a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog. 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
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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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Monday, 17 May 2010 17:42 |
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A new partnership in 2010 between the Houston Astros and Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar offers fans discounts on food and Astros tickets, the ballclub has announced. The wings of the Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar are officially the “Preferred Wings of the Houston Astros” in 2010. As part of the partnership, all 18 Houston area Buffalo Wild Wings locations are the official meeting place for Astros fans following Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games. Following Friday and Saturday night home
games, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering special food discounts for all patrons wearing Astros gear. After every Sunday afternoon home game, Buffalo Wild Wings is offering special food discounts for all families wearing
Astros gear. All 18 Houston area locations are also offering their customers the opportunity to register to win two Field Level tickets, a meet-and-greet with a current Astros player and two field passes to watch batting practice. And, from those 18 winners, two Grand prize winners will be selected. The first Grand Prize winner, which will be selected from those registering on Friday or Saturday nights, will have the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at an Astros game, while the other Grand Prize winner, which will be selected from the Sunday registrations, will have the opportunity for one of their children to announce “Play Ball” on the field prior to the Sunday, September 19th home game (subject to change). Additionally, all Houston area Buffalo Wild Wings locations are offering their customers the opportunity to purchase discounted Astros tickets through a special web site that has been created. Customers can only obtain the address and password to this web site at one of the area franchises. Through the web site, each month, tickets to three select games will be offered at a discount to Buffalo Wild Wings customers. Source: Houston Astros
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
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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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Monday, 26 April 2010 20:38 |
MLB is such a tool... Craftsman inks a deal with
MLB Properties to license logo designed hand tools,
power tools, tool storage and lawn and garden tools
and equipment.
(CLICK TO SEE IN LARGER VIEW)
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Imagine the love you bring to your team the day you roll out, say, your Red Sox lawn mower, or Yankees hand tools. Think we're just tooling around? Not after today.
The Craftsman brand announced today that Major League Baseball Properties has added Craftsman their lineup of companies providing Officially Licensed Products. The four-year deal allows Craftsman to feature the logos of Major League Baseball and its 30 Clubs on products including hand tools, power tools, tool storage and lawn and garden tools and equipment. Financial terms were not released.
"Craftsman, Sears, and Baseball have been American icons for generations," said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. "The addition of Major League Baseball products from Craftsman is a perfect fit, and we know our fans will be excited by this unique relationship and the innovative way that we are able to offer branded products of the highest caliber." "We're thrilled to be working with MLB and to introduce Major League Baseball-Craftsman products," said Kris Malkoski, Vice President and General Manager of the Craftsman brand for Sears Holdings. "We know that Craftsman consumers are very passionate about our brand in much the same way MLB fans are about 'their' teams, and the agreement with MLB is another way that Craftsman is bringing innovative products to our customers and their devout counterparts who are Major League Baseball fans. All of the tools and products alike will be permanently branded with the logos of Major League Baseball, providing all of the innovation, reliability and trust in your hands that is Craftsman." Malkoski added.
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
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 19 April 2010 11:09 |
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Major League baseball players are honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s wounded warriors by launching an exclusive line of military-themed licensed products to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, it was jointly announced today by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Wounded Warrior Project. Major Leaguers are also contributing an additional $100,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to the Wounded Warrior Project, to support their efforts in ensuring this generation of wounded warriors is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.
The Major League Baseball Players Association, in association with its licensee Activa Global Sports & Entertainment, today unveiled this unique apparel line of men’s and women’s camouflage and army green T-shirts, baseball hats and army style hats featuring the names, numbers and facsimile signatures of 26 of the game’s top players. (select Read More to see the complete listing)
The merchandise is now on sale exclusively at approximately 1,500 Wal-Mart locations across the country.
A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each item will be contributed directly to the Wounded Warrior Project in support of its on-going efforts to provide programs and services to thousands of wounded servicemen and women.
“Thanks to Major League baseball players, the MLBPA, the Players Trust, Activa Global Sports & Entertainment and the American public, who believe in our mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors, we are able to further enhance our unique programs and services for the wounded and their families,” said Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director, Steve Nardizzi. “Their vital support will help ensure that this generation of warriors will not be forgotten.”
“On behalf of the players participating in this program, and all Major Leaguers, in general, it’s an honor to help raise funds and awareness of our wounded warriors by supporting the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Johnny Damon of the Detroit Tigers and a national spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project. “Thousands of brave young men and women put their lives on the line every day for each and every one of us, and this program gives us an opportunity to show our gratitude. I also would like to thank Activa Global Sports and Entertainment for joining us in support of such a worthy cause.”
Over 37,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery, providing programs and services to aid their physical rehabilitation and improve their mental health and well-being. Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.
"We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with the Wounded Warrior Project and the Major League Baseball Players Association to create a line of products and an awareness campaign to help the brave men and women who put their lives at risk to ensure our freedom. These warriors have sacrificed so much for our country and we are humbled to be able to contribute to their cause," said Ray Taccolini, President, Activa Global Sports & Entertainment.
Select READ MORE to see a complete list of partisipating players in the program:
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Sponsorships, Promotions
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Written by Maury Brown
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Monday, 19 April 2010 10:38 |
Disney and MLB go Goofy over merchndise. Replica figurines to
coincide with All-Star Game statues have been unveiled.
(Click to see in larger view) |
The beginning of the marriage between The Mouse and Major League Baseball has begun.
Major League Baseball Properties and Disney Consumer Productstoday unveiled 36 different designs of MLB-themed Mickey Mouse collectible statuettes along with related apparel and merchandise that coincides with the 2010 MLB All-Star Week festivities taking place July 9–13 in Anaheim, Calif. as part of a new collaboration between the organizations (see details of the partnership announcement). The statuettes are replicas of seven and a half foot tall, life-size statues that will be placed at key Southern California landmarks leading up to the All-Star Game on July 13.
In addition, four statuettes will feature various All-Star Game themes. All are available in a 7.5-inch size through MLB.com beginning today and later this month through DisneyStore.com and additional retailers including MLB stadium shops, Walgreens and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The 36 life-size statues are also decorated using the same logos and designs as the statuettes. With a height of 7.5 feet and weighing 989 pounds, these MLB-themed statues will begin to appear at landmarks throughout Southern California closer to the 2010 All-Star Game. Exact locations will be made public at a later date.
The partnership will see merchandise and apparel featuring Major League Baseball and beloved Disney characters, including caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, drink ware, pins, throws and beach towels.
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
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
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, 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.
Follow Maury Brown on Twitter
Follow The Biz of Baseball on Twitter
Follow the Business of Sports Network on Facebook |
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