MLB Announces 3-Year Deal with GM

[mgescuro]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/a...=.jsp&c_id=mlb



A sponsor once synonymous with Major League Baseball has returned and the two sides hope they won't have to be apart ever again. On Wednesday, Major League Baseball announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with General Motors to make Chevrolet the "Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball."

Chevrolet had previously been a sponsor of baseball from 1985-96, but the sport hasn't had a partner in the automotive category since then.

"It's been way too long since we heard the phrase 'Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet' as describing America," proclaimed Bob DuPuy, president and COO of Major League Baseball. "I am thrilled to be announcing the reignition of our relationship with General Motors and Chevrolet."

Chevy will act as the presenting sponsor of the MVP awards from both the Major League All-Star Game and the World Series. The winner of each award will receive the Chevrolet vehicle of their choice.

Chevrolet will also be sponsoring the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Selection Show, which will be broadcast July 3 on ESPN.

"Chevy is America's brand, baseball is America's game and I think it's terrific that we've been able to bring the two back together," said Steve Tihanyi, general director of marketing alliances and regional operations for General Motors.

Tihanyi pointed out that aligning with baseball was important to Chevrolet's marketing plan since the car company also has agreements with such major sports franchises as the NCAA, the Olympics and the PGA Tour.

While Chevrolet hasn't been a sponsor of Major League Baseball as a whole since 1996, it had individual relationships with seven teams: the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. Tihanyi expects six more teams to sign individual deals with Chevrolet within the next two months, giving them nearly half the teams in baseball.

"We at Major League Baseball could not be more proud, more pleased and more privileged to announce this partnership between our great businesses," said Tim Brosnan, executive vice president of business for Major League Baseball.

[delco583]

I suppose it's better than sponsering hockey at this point. Although the NHL and GM seem to be heading in the same direction. I hope this marketing move works for them. Good luck Chevy!!

[SVT2888]

Hey MLB can you sneek some special cream to GM. They really need it.

[Taycron]

I guess it's better than giving the cars away.

[Fesasp]

I wonder how much they'll spend in commericals for the FOX Game of the Weeks. During the playoffs and World Series, FOX ran way too many commericals that promoted new shows or the season premiere of The Simpsons. I betcha GM is going to be purchasing some of that airtime from FOX rather cheaply, not to mention the awards they will be "presenting".

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Fesasp

I wonder how much they'll spend in commericals for the FOX Game of the Weeks. During the playoffs and World Series, FOX ran way too many commericals that promoted new shows or the season premiere of The Simpsons. I betcha GM is going to be purchasing some of that airtime from FOX rather cheaply, not to mention the awards they will be "presenting".

Well, I'd probably expect to see new IMpala and Monte commercials. Probably a couple new Cobalt and Vette commercials as well. Time will tell.

The SF Giants have the "Chevy Homerun Tracker" for a certain Mr. Bonds. They've had that since the Chevy Tracker was around.