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MLB INTERNATIONAL NEWSLETTER WORLD CLASSIC EDITION

CelebratingThrilling Baseball and Passionate Fans Take Center Stage the at the Inaugural Game Fanatics! total of 740,451 spirited rom the opening game in to the Final in baseball fans from around the , the World Baseball Classic was a A globe showed up to support F true celebration of the game. All involved with their home teams at the World the event, from fans to players, exhibited an Getty Images (3) Baseball Classic. Draped in their unprecedented level of passion and appreciation for countries' flags with faces painted in baseball and dedication for their national teams. The national colors, fans from each of the seven tournament venues were filled with postseason- 16 teams brought a unique dynamic like enthusiasm and anticipation for every . to the event. Many of those in When and the Major League attendance danced and sang their Baseball Players Association teamed up to form World way through games, while others Baseball Classic, Inc. (WBCI) – the organizing entity of banged thunder sticks along to team the tournament – the goal was to establish a platform to chants. Passionate Major League increase worldwide exposure for baseball by showcasing Baseball fans put regular-season its greatest players in a premier international rivalries aside for a few weeks and competition. The inaugural event went a long way joined forces to support their toward achieving that goal. “Anything you do for the first countries the diamond. time is not going to be perfect,” “Major League Baseball has no said before the tournament’s Final. “But by any stretch idea how thankful we are for this of the imagination, this tournament exceeded my Following the Japanese tradition of “Dou age,” event,” said Juan Acevedo, a expectations in a myriad of ways. Absolutely!” is tossed into the air by Team after defeating Team to win Venezuelan-born fan who traveled to the first ever World Baseball Classic Championship at . With 39 games over 18 days in seven cities and Orlando for Round 1. Julio Diaz came three countries, the 16 competing national teams From of the to all the way from New York to support were represented by all-star players with one goal in of the , the greatest players the Dominican Team: “They came mind: the Championship. On March 20, Team Japan in the world were represented. Of the 486 players to for the Dominican Republic, so I came emerged as the first ever World Baseball Classic participate, 235 (48%) were from Major League out for them” (March 8, NY Times). “A . Their hard-fought 10-6 Baseball organizations. The remaining players came completely different kind of baseball victory over a very tough and ujols and Adri from professional and amateur leagues experience,” said Mia Kim, a rt P an B lbe el extremely talented Cuban A tre throughout the world. kindergarten teacher from South of team, in front of a sold-out Te More than 740,000 fans from 48 of the who had never bought a ticket a crowd at PETCO Park, m 50 United States and 15 countries to a baseball game before the D o served as a thrilling m showed up to support their national tournament. “This is about showing

i n patriotism and supporting my country” climax to the event. i teams at the World Baseball Classic and c

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Right-hander Daisuke n millions more were able to watch game (March 10, LA Times). a Matsuzaka, the broadcasts in 205 different countries tournament MVP, and around the world. Fans collected Ichiro tournament-licensed merchandise with were the respective their home country logos and player pitching and hitting stars for names at a rapid pace. Venue stores and the Champions. outside retailers experienced extremely strong “I never coached a team for a sell-through rates for ‘Classic’ gear. tournament like this and never thought While Japan won the Championship, the ultimate that the pressure would be so high. Baseball is the winners of the inaugural World Baseball Classic were best sport. Everyone has to work together and there is the sport of baseball and its fans. With the exceedingly nothing more wonderful than that,” said Japan Team positive reception of the first tournament, plans for the Manager and all-time home leader Sadaharu Oh next World Baseball Classic, to take place in 2009, are Korean fans showed up in droves to support their national team in Tokyo, Anaheim and San Diego. after his team’s Championship performance. already underway. MARKETING ‘Baseball Spoken Here’ Players in Print he World Baseball Classic advertising and and creative appeal rather than text-heavy, rint ads were used both nationally and locally to T marketing campaign aimed to create an market-specific messaging. In this way, the P foster awareness of the event and create overall awareness of the first-time event, colorful, eye-catching ads were adaptable to excitement about the high-caliber players that would encourage ticket sales and build an all languages and participating countries and be participating in the tournament. As this was a international audience. The message territories. “Face-the-world” was a global first-time event, including superstar MLB players like was designed to appeal to all involved from creative concept that retained its meaning and Albert Pujols, , Ivan Rodriquez, Roger motivating players and coaches to reaching impact with international, national, regional Clemens, Vinny Castilla and in the consumers to spur attendance and viewership. and local executions. campaign helped to give the tournament a sense of After extensive agency reviews, Grey The campaign included three forms of legitimacy in the eyes of both players and fans. Worldwide was selected as agency of record media: print, and television. Ads were also National placements included sports magazines such for the campaign. Altus Entertainment provided posted on the mlb.com web portal, which sent as – most notably, in the highly- support on U.S.-based Hispanic placements periodic email blasts to subscribers and provided circulated Swimsuit Edition in February – ESPN The and promotional activities. video downloads of the ads for viewers. The Magazine, and USA Today. Major U.S. markets such Using the “face-the-world” concept, tagline “Baseball Spoken Here” provided the as New York, , Chicago, Houston and Dallas featuring player faces over-layed with their overall theme. Ads also included a call-to-action were included in the awareness phase of the national flags, the campaign creative was a line - “I’ll be there for my country. Will you be campaign. More than 120 print insertions were poignant message promoting national identity. there for yours?” - designed to resonate with delivered in the U.S. market alone. The cross-cultural theme relied on emotion players and fans alike. As March approached and the relevant message shifted more intensely in the direction of game ticket sales, placements focused on the World Baseball Classic ballpark venue markets of San Diego, Anaheim/, Phoenix/Scottsdale and Orlando. Specific ads for retail consumer products were produced to support licensed good sales and ads were translated into languages as needed for international use by WBCI partners.

TV Ad Spots Reach Millions elevision placements were designed to sports T and baseball enthusiasts in specific locations, particularly in markets where tournament games would be played. Ads ran during sports programming including the Olympics, MLB games, NBA games, the Caribbean World and NCAA . Non-traditional sports media was also On the Radio utilized in individual markets, such as Los Angeles, nglish and Spanish language radio spots featuring with a regionally-placed spot during the Academy E international superstars from Major League and Grammy broadcasts. broke on December 12 and continued to run through the The most prominent non-traditional baseball ad tournament. Sixty and 30-second spots included the placement was activated during the NFL’s Super “Baseball Spoken Here” tagline as players reminisced Bowl. Featuring the “face-the-world” concept, the about their baseball beginnings and shared their spot was a dramatic awareness message to an enthusiasm about playing in the World Baseball Classic. extensive and diverse audience. Overall, TV spots Another creative wave of radio focused on ticket sales featured superstars such as , Carlos and provided consumers with the information they Delgado, Ichiro Suzuki, Derek Jeter, , Albert Pujols, and Dontrelle Willis. TV ads, needed to attend games. Radio spot buys included hot adult contemporary, , sports, , news/traffic, in both English and Spanish, broke on January 23 and continued through the tournament. and sporting events. National broadcast partner ESPN created a series of tune-in spots for viewers on the In key Hispanic markets, radio was the media of choice. ESPN and ESPN2 channels, ESPN Deportes, DOS and ESPN’s Atlantic and Pacific Radio ads informed listeners about the ground-breaking networks. These spots featured , Jorge Cantu, Derek Jeter, , international event and listeners responded positively to , and Ivan Rodriquez. The TV rotation was supplemented with print in on-air sweepstakes ticket contests and on-location events ESPN The Magazine, ESPN Deportes, USA Today and online at .com. Outdoor at malls and other heavily-trafficked consumer locations. advertising included billboards in the Phoenix area, bus kiosks and vehicles in Orlando Airing spots featuring Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Miami, and subway cars in New York City. and Venezuelan players helped promote the patriotic nature of the event with Hispanic communities. 2 SPONSORSHIP Tournament Sponsors Active in Japan ore than 25 sponsors partnered with World Baseball Classic, Inc. in Japan, SPONSOR M helping ensure that the event was a both on and off the field. ROSTER

Asahi Beverages was the most active sponsor in Japan. In addition to being Getty Images the Asia Round’s presenting sponsor, Asahi supported the Japan national team Able and had its patch displayed on team uniforms throughout the tournament. Aeon Anheuser-Busch Under the campaign title “Asahi One,” Asahi leveraged its rights through Asahi television, print, POP advertising and activated sweepstakes and premiums. Asahi Homes A 30-second television spot featuring Team Japan Manager Sadaharu Oh Banco Mercantil broke nationwide in early February and was supported by in-store promotions, Banco Popular Konami logo displayed on Ichiro Burger King including nearly 17 million pieces of Asahi product bearing the Suzuki’s in Tokyo. tournament marks sold in stores throughout Japan. Cable & Wireless Café Akona Konami, a global partner for the event, was also a Japan national team sponsor and had its Canon logo displayed on the team’s batting helmet throughout the competition (see photo above). Konami CANTV used its sponsorship in part to support the launch of their PowerPro game, released in April 2006. Chrysler/Dodge Additionally, Konami and MasterCard received virtual signage rights, hospitality rights in both the Citgo U.S. and Japan, and wall signage in tournament venues in the U.S. and . City of San Juan Daichi Sankyo Dandy House Eizai El Nuevo Día 21 Marketing Partners in Latin America FedEx he World Baseball Classic capitalized on the strong Gatorade T interest in Latin America for the long-awaited global Good Year event by securing 21 event and national team sponsors. Sponsorship agreements included a presence Ito Ham on national team uniforms, virtual signage, in-stadium JACCS signage, consumer-targeted promotions, media Japan Agriculture KDDI Telephone placements in national broadcasts and presenting Kellogg sponsor designation for various tournament awards. Konami (Global) With countless Latin stars representing their Liberty national teams, sponsors took advantage of the Lotte tremendous fan interest by creating unique partner CDN sending the six “biggest” baseball fans to Maltín Polar marketing campaigns in support of the event. In the second round games in San Juan. MasterCard International (Global) MBNA Venezuela, Maltín Polar complemented its national PUERTO RICO: As San Juan was the host of 12 MCS team sponsorship by creating a campaign illustrating World Baseball Classic games, companies in Puerto Mitsubishi Bank the rise to fame of Venezuelan heroes Omar Vizquel, Rico took full advantage of this unique opportunity to Nihon Tochi Freddy Garcia, Miguel Cabrera (see above) and target both local and international baseball fans. All (Global) Magglio Ordonez. In the Dominican Republic, Verizon sponsors in Puerto Rico received stadium signage NTT Communications Pepsi Dominicana ran the “Vete de Bonche” promotion and promotional opportunities throughout the first Presidente sending winners on an all-expense paid trip to the and second round of the tournament. Puerto Rico Tourism Finals Weekend in San Diego with Hummer H2 VENEZUELA: Maltín Polar, Banco Mercantil, CANTV Rums of Puerto Rico chauffeur service. Other activations included: Sky Perfect TV and Pepsi all sponsored the Venezuelan National Team. SunCom DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Verizon Dominicana Banco Mercantil ran a promotion in conjunction with Toto blanketed the island nation with billboards and MasterCard where over 20 lucky MasterCard users TV MAX advertisements supporting their promotion. Verizon received an all-expense paid trip to Orlando to attend Verizon Wireless was especially active at local bars and points of the first round. CANTV also rewarded subscribers with Yanase sales promoting the games. Longtime MLB sponsor a trip to Puerto Rico and distributed event-related gifts Xebio Sports Presidente also ran a promotion with television at CANTV offices throughout the country.

TOURNAMENT RECORD: 0-3 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 1-2 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 5-3 (Champion) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 6-1 (Semi-Finals) STAR PLAYER: Wang Wei, STAR PLAYER: Yung Chi Chen, Third Base STAR PLAYER: , STAR PLAYER: Seung Yeop Lee, First Base FAST FACT: Former Major League manager FAST FACT: Chinese established a FAST FACT: Japan superstar Ichiro Suzuki FAST FACT: Team Korea was the only Jim Lefebvre was Team ’s manager professional league, the Chinese Professional became only the second player in Major team in the tournament to be perfect and has worked with MLB to grow the Baseball League (CPBL), in 1989. League Baseball history to win Rookie of the on defense, committing no errors in game in China for the past four years. Year and M.V.P. in the same season (2001). seven games.

3 LICENSING

Majestic Athletic Outfits Teams Promotional Giveaway Campaigns ajestic Athletic was granted an exclusive license for LICENSEE M the manufacturing and at Retail Throughout Tokyo distribution of the authentic on-field o support the opening games of the inaugural World ROSTER uniforms for 12 of the 16 T Baseball Classic held at the March 3- 5, select sports shops in the Tokyo area implemented a Activa participating national teams. Majestic produced uniforms for entire ticket and prize giveaway campaign featuring specially Aminco 30-man rosters, managers and designed merchandise unavailable outside the Antigua coaches. In addition, Majestic Athletic promotion. Participating stores included The Sports provided all 16 World Baseball Classic national teams with Authority (Fuchuu, Tsudanuma, and Narita), Sports Depo Coopersburg Sports batting practice jerseys. The product offered at retail and in (Saitama Kitamoto), and Prospark, a sports fan shop F&F concessions included authentic and replica team jerseys located inside Ikspiari mall next to Tokyo Disneyland. and an extensive selection of screen-printed t-shirts, This was a must-buy, closed campaign where the lucky Franklin Sports including the official World Baseball Classic championship grand prize winner received tickets to attend Japan t-shirt for the tournament winner, the Japan National Team. Gamewear Team games throughout the Asia Round, the first of ‘the Grace Co. Classic’. Customers also attempted to win World Baseball Classic logo polo shirts and and the Majestic Athletic New Era Puts a official tournament baseball, produced by . Mizuno on Inaugural Event New Era Cap Company ew Era Cap Company was the N exclusive headwear Nike manufacturer for the 2006 World Baseball Classic Norico tournament. New Era produced and supplied the Authentic 5950 on-field cap to 15 of the 16 Rawlings participating national teams and retailers worldwide. Rise Up Each on-field cap incorporated the country flag, emphasizing the patriotic theme of the event. During Take-Two Interactive each round of the tournament, the authentic on-field The Emblem Source cap was exchanged among players and managers as a gesture of good faith and sportsmanship. In addition to The Highland Mint the on-field products, New Era produced replica caps of all 16 teams and the official World Baseball Classic Championship cap for retail outlets. Wincraft Zett Tournament Merchandise in High Demand fficially-licensed World Baseball Classic product was in high demand throughout the

Nike provided the Korean National Team Otournament. In stadium, fans formed long, weaving lines for the opportunity to purchase Getty Images with authentic jerseys and caps. They merchandise from the event. In many venues, the demand for product exceeded the supply, also provided 14 of the 16 national resulting in sell-outs within the first hour of the game. Official concessionaire partner XP teams with authentic Events worked vigorously to restock shelves and ensure that fans had the ability to show off performance wear. their team pride by purchasing World Baseball Classic product. Modell’s and Champs were retail partners of the event and carried World Baseball Classic products in select stores. Both Mizuno completely retailers experienced very successful sell-through of the products with the support of an in- outfitted the Chinese store POS program and player autograph sessions. Top-selling retail products included caps, Taipei and Japan National jerseys and name and number t-shirts. United States, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic Teams with authentic constituted the top selling teams. At Champs in Puerto Rico, fans received a limited edition uniforms, headwear and World Baseball Classic with the purchase of officially-licensed product, which came in performance wear. handy during tournament player signings (see page 5).

TOURNAMENT RECORD: 1-2 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 3-3 (Round 2) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 0-3 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 3-3 (Round 2) STAR PLAYER: , Outfield STAR PLAYER: Jorge Cantu, Second Base STAR PLAYER: Brett Willemburg, STAR PLAYER: Ken Griffey Jr., Outfield FAST FACT: World Baseball Classic FAST FACT: ’s 16-team summer FAST FACT: Baseball was first introduced FAST FACT: More than 115 million fans Ambassador will be professional league celebrated its 80th to South Africa in 1898 by American gold attended Major League and Minor inducted into the Canadian Baseball anniversary in 2005. More than 100 miners who played the sport for leisure at League Baseball games in the United Hall of Fame and Museum on June 24. players from that league have made the the Mines in Johannesburg. States in 2005. 4 jump to MLB organizations. LICENSING

Sales Soar in Japan with Championship ith Japan crowned champions of the 2006 World Fans Line Up at Retail Outlets for W Baseball Classic, fans were eager to purchase Their Favorite Major League Stars national team items. Approximately 250 retail outlets, Getty Images hroughout the World Baseball Classic, participating ranging from nationwide sporting good stores to stadium T Major League Baseball players signed merchandise dome shops, and mail-order advertisements in newspaper, and memorabilia at both retail and stadium shops. During magazine and on radio, offered product for fans wanting a Rounds 1 and 2 of the event, players visited fans at the memento to remember the historic achievement. Stadium Store in Phoenix, Arizona, the At the dome shops, which included Tokyo Dome, Osaka Champs flagship store in the Plaza Las Américas Mall in Dome, Dome, Nagoya Dome, Kobe SkyMark San Juan, Puerto Rico, and in Anaheim, Stadium, Yokohama Stadium, and Fullcast Stadium Miyagi, . At all venues, fans with World Baseball Classic top-selling items were the official program, Majestic name fever lined up outside and around stores to meet their and number Ichiro Suzuki t-shirts, and Japan National Team favorite national team players. The signings generated phone straps. At the sports stores, sell-through for apparel incremental World Baseball Classic merchandise sales, and headwear was strong and popular items included New Era authentic caps and name and bringing the fans to their favorite stars of the number t-shirts and batting practice jerseys of Ichiro and tournament MVP Daisuke Matsuzaka. inaugural tournament. Sales of World Baseball Classic product increased 25% after Japan won the championship and consumer demand caused retailers to constantly re-stock their shelves. , the official uniform supplier of the Japan National Team, which developed authentic and replica jerseys, name and number t-shirts, and supporting t-shirts for retail, worked hard to produce additional units of product to keep up with fast-growing consumer demand. Mizuno also developed a special Japan National Team Champion t-shirt that contained the game schedule on the front and the roster of players, coaches, and manager on the back. Other commemorative championship products developed by local licensees included a limited edition Zippo lighter and a championship t-shirt for kids. Due to the enormous media coverage of the player locker room and champagne Team U.S.A. members , Brian Schneider, and greet celebration following Japan’s victory, the locker-room t-shirts and caps by Majestic and fans and sign autographs at Angel Stadium in Anaheim during Round 2. New Era became two of the most popular overall items sold. Authentication Program Korea Fans Shop at F&F for ‘Classic’ Product housands of items were authenticated as part of the World &F, MLB’s apparel licensee in Korea since T Baseball Classic authentication program. The program utilizes a F 1997, launched Korean National Team products state-of-the-art hologram and serial in conjunction with the World Baseball Classic. Their numbering system giving fans the Baseball Cla rld ssi Wo c b product line included baseball jackets, replica assurance that items purporting to ic as nt e e b h a jerseys, t-shirts, and replica caps, which were sold be game-used are in fact t ll u s i A g at ten of the primary MLB Stores located across authentic. Authenticators were n e

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a Park and #26 Jae Seo. Mannequins wearing World up cards and on-deck circles. n Baseball Classic products were on display in store Items have a tamper-proof . windows and special corners were allocated to selling hologram created by Optical Security, New Era national team caps. Inc., featuring a unique identification F&F also produced special supporting t-shirts and caps upon request of the Korean number denoting authenticity. Some World Baseball Classic Baseball Organization for Korean fans attending the World Baseball Classic games in both authenticated items will be on display at the National Baseball Hall Japan and the United States. Fans wearing these products were immediately noticeable at of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. this summer. Fans have every stadium because their seats were blocked together and they coordinated simultaneous an opportunity to obtain World Baseball Classic authenticated items and harmonious chants in support of their home team. that are incorporated into products from the Highland Mint and the Upper Deck Company.

TOURNAMENT RECORD: 5-3 (Final) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 1-2 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 0-3 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 4-2 (Round 2) STAR PLAYER: , Pitcher STAR PLAYER: , Pitcher STAR PLAYER: Bruce Chen, Pitcher STAR PLAYER: Carlos Beltran, Outfield FAST FACT: Cuba has now advanced to at FAST FACT: 18-year old right-hander, Shairon FAST FACT: Hall of Famer , FAST FACT: Stadium in least the Championship Game of an Martis of Curacao threw the first ever World who compiled 3,053 hits en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico was the only international tournament for the 37th Baseball Classic no-hitter in a 10-0 victory seven batting titles, venue to host two rounds of World straight time. over . Remarkably he accomplished was born in Panama. Baseball Classic games. the task without the benefit of a . 5 COUNTRY BROADCASTER Television and Radio Broadcasts Worldwide Rogers he inaugural World Baseball Classic was broadcast in seven different languages to 205 T countries around the world. In total, 48 different broadcasters covered the tournament on Cuba RTV television, terrestrial and satellite radio and the Internet; 20 had announcers call the action live China CCTV from game sites. The TV coverage of the first-time event exceeded ratings expectations in virtually Videoland and TVBS every market (see highlights below). Curacao UTS In the United States, ESPN and ESPN2 offered 17 live telecasts, highlighted by the March 18 Semi-Finals and March 20 Final from PETCO Park. ESPN Deportes, ESPN's Spanish-language Dominican Republic CDN network in the U.S., televised all 39 games of the inaugural tournament live. Additionally, 14 Guatemala Canal 3 Games were shown in syndication on various channels within the United States. (See right for Italy Europa TV complete list of TV broadcasters.) Japan J Sports, TV Asahi, NTV, TBS International radio broadcast partners included: Rogers Radio (Canada), RTV (Cuba), BCC (Chinese Taipei), UTS (Curacao), CDN (D.R.), Jolf and TBS (Japan), KBS (Korea), Grupo EGSA Korea Xport, KBS, SBS, MBC (Panama), Radio WOSO and Noti Uno (P.R.), ESPN Radio, XM Satellite Radio and Radio Korea Mexico Televisa (U.S.), Union Radio, Circuito FM Center and Radio Nacional de Venezuela (Venezuela), and Netherlands NOS Radio (worldwide). Nicaragua Ratensa CLASSIC CROWDS: South Koreans Panama TV Max gather to watch the television broadcast of the World Baseball Pan European NASN Classic Semi-Final game between Pan Latin America ESPN International Korea and Japan in front of the Pan Pacific Rim ESPN International City Hall, March 19, 2006. Puerto Rico Deportes 13 The game attracted so much interest that it was shown on big Sweden/Norway Viasat screens in 15 different locations in USA ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes Korea including baseball stadiums Venezuela Meridiano, VTV and Soccer venues. (Photo by Getty Images) Worldwide American Forces Network Global TV Ratings Highlights: Demand for Virtual Signage at CANADA – For the live broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, 369,000 viewers tuned in to the All-Time High for Tournament Canada vs. U.S. game on March 8. An additional 160,000 watched the replay that night. orld Baseball Classic, Inc. distributed 132 virtual DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The World Baseball Classic was the highest rated among all sports W signage feeds and attracted more than 20 worldwide programming in the D.R. for the first three weeks in March. Three games represented the highest- advertisers. At least three different feeds were distributed rated programs on their respective dates and eight others were rated first in their time slots. for every game played in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and a JAPAN – The Japan vs. Cuba Final received a 43.4 rating, equaling 20.8 million households record six feeds were needed to meet the demand for the (approximately 52 million viewers). It was the best ever rating for a Nippon Television Network Semi-Finals and Final game. In addition to the global virtual broadcast of a baseball game. feed, customized feeds were developed for the U.S., Japan, KOREA – Of the 25 games aired by Xports, 11 received the highest share of audience for all Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. These sports programming of the day, and six received second highest shares. feeds enabled WBCI to attract both global and country-specific PUERTO RICO — Four games involving Team Puerto Rico on Deportes 13 earned the highest advertisers to the event, including Asahi, Budweiser, CANTV, TV rating in their prime time spots, beating out programming on leading Puerto Rico networks. Konami, Citgo, Mastercard, Nikon, Maltín Polar, Verizon Dominicana, Presidente, Chrysler/Dodge, Banco Mercantil and UNITED STATES – Classic games posted four of the top five largest household audiences for any telecast on ESPN2 in 2006. Burger King. Virtual signage boards will continue to be available UNITED STATES – Mexico’s second round victory over the United States on March 16 was the during the MLB season, for both the MLB All-Star Game and most watched program among Men 18-49 and Men 25-54 on that day. every game of the .

TOURNAMENT RECORD: 0-3 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 5-2 (Semi-Finals) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 1-2 (Round 1) TOURNAMENT RECORD: 3-3 (Round 2) STAR PLAYER: Peter Moylan, Pitcher STAR PLAYER: Adrian Beltre, Third Base STAR PLAYER: Jason Grilli, Pitcher STAR PLAYER: Freddy Garcia, Pitcher FAST FACT: There are currently 85 FAST FACT: The winner of the Dominican FAST FACT: in Italy FAST FACT: Venezuela’s Leones de Australian-born players on rosters Winter Professional League has won the was first played in Milan circa 1948. Caracas won the 2006 Caribbean World in Major League and Minor League Caribbean World Series a remarkable 14 Series, defeating the Tigres de Licey of Baseball. times since 1970. the Dominican Republic. 6 World Famous ith the world watching, no player was better worldbaseballclassic.com Getty Images (4) W than Daisuke Matsuzaka. As his Japan team he World Baseball Classic delivered celebrated the first ever World Baseball Classic T remarkable numbers on the internet, Championship, Matsuzaka was awarded the as MLB Advanced Media experienced great tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award for his success throughout its coverage of the masterful performances throughout. The flame- tournament on worldbaseballclassic.com. throwing right-hander was credited with three of The website, which includes live game Japan’s five wins including a brilliant performance coverage, news, stats, rosters, standings, against Cuba for the Championship in front of 42,696 schedules and the ability to purchase merchandise fans at PETCO Park. For the tournament, he held opponents to only two earned runs in from the inaugural event, features 16 different country sites for 13 , striking out 10 and allowing only eight hits. Matsuzaka, who features a blazing each national team available in seven different languages. and sharp-breaking , is a standout with the Seibu Lions of Nippon From its launch through the end of the event, Professional where he is 91-55 with a 3.07 ERA in seven seasons. worldbaseballclassic.com compiled more than one billion page After receiving his MVP Award from Tournament Ambassador Tommy Lasorda, Matsuzaka views and over one million multimedia accesses. More than expressed his pleasure: “We all aimed at winning the championship here, and in the last 300,000 tickets were sold online and approximately 76,000 game, with the on the line, I was named as a of the game, units of tournament merchandise were purchased via the and I’m really proud of the fact that I was able to start and contribute to the win.” internet. ‘worldbaseballclassic.com’ will continue to be the primary source for developing news on the 2009 World Baseball Classic as it unfolds. Unprecedented Coverage n unprecedented 5,402 World Baseball Classic credential applications were received The Hardware A he World Baseball Classic from television, radio, internet and print journalists Championship Trophy (photo right), worldwide. Media for the first-ever event T created by Tiffany & Co., is made of represented 25 different countries, including all sterling silver, stands 25-inches tall 16 participating countries and territories, and and weighs 30 pounds. The design, major international wire services and media Team Cuba infielder speaks to media prior to World Baseball inspired by the tournament logo, outlets throughout the world. Classic game in San Juan. features a 'global baseball' as the centerpiece. The Trophy was taken on a 12-team tour of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball this spring and will be on display at the league's Hall of Fame this summer. The award was , Inc., one of the world’s largest MB Sports, Inc. was promoter of the presented to the Japan Team after their advertising conglomerates and the games for WBCI in Puerto Rico. The March 20 victory over Cuba in the premier ad firm in Japan, was a San Juan-based company handled Final. The Japan Team also received highly-valued partner of WBCI in Asia. marketing, advertising, promotions, individual gold medals for their Dentsu supported sponsorship and sponsorship and ticket sales for the Championship run, while Team Cuba broadcast sales throughout the region first and second round games at was presented with sterling silver for the inaugural event. . medals for their runner-up finish. Ambassador Lasorda Travels the World for ‘The Classic’ Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda of the served as the This tournament brought the baseball world together to celebrate its Ambassador for the World Baseball Classic. Mr. Lasorda played an integral international growth and rallied the fans together to celebrate the passion role in promoting the tournament with an intense schedule of media our game inspires. Whether it was Korea vs. Japan, Puerto Rico vs. tours. He appeared on national television and radio programs and the Dominican Republic or just the possibility of the U.S. vs. Cuba, was interviewed by national and international print media from the fans lived the excitement of baseball rivalries. The players December through March. Ambassador Lasorda, who has pursued victory with honor and represented the game to the either played or managed in 14 of the16 participating highest degree of class, dignity and character. countries, visited each tournament venue city prior to the To serve as Ambassador, I was pulled away from my first event and appeared at the different venues, spreading good love, Dodger baseball; but as it has been said about me in the will to fans and players alike, during ‘the Classic’. past, “ is his address, but every ballpark is his The following is a note from the Ambassador: home.” I feel that way now more than ever. Serving as the Ambassador-at-Large for the inaugural World The World Baseball Classic was a tremendous success and I Baseball Classic was a privilege and an honor. From the time Bob DuPuy would like to congratulate Commissioner Selig and for called my office and asked me to be the ambassador to the time we all stood at forming this partnership, all the players and coaches for their participation and home plate at PETCO Park to congratulate Team Japan on their tremendous victory, I last, but certainly not least, the fans around the world who continue to make had a great time. In fact, I can't wait for the 2009 Classic! baseball the best game on earth. 7 World Baseball Classic All-World Team (AS VOTED BY A PANEL OF INTERNATIONAL BASEBALL MEDIA) Getty Images (14) Catcher: First Base: Second Base: Third Base: Tomoya Satozaki Seung Yeop Lee Yulieski Gourriel Adrian Beltre

Shortstop: Outfield: Outfield: Outfield: Derek Jeter Jong Beom Lee Ken Griffey, Jr. Ichiro Suzuki

Designated Hitter: Pitcher: Pitcher: Pitcher: Yoandri Garlobo Yadel Marti Daisuke Matsuzaka

Tournament Bracket Sell-Out Crowds Highlight the Event CHAMPION t final , 740,451 passionate baseball fans attended inaugural World Baseball Classic games A in three countries and territories and seven different cities. Fans from 48 of the 50 United States FINAL and 15 different countries purchased tickets to the tournament. Sell-out crowds were recorded in Scottsdale, Orlando, San Juan and San Diego; the Semi-Finals and Final at PETCO Park were complete sell-outs. The following is a venue-by-venue attendance summary. SEMI-FINALS CITY VENUE # GAMES ATTENDANCE Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome 6 games 100,964 ROUND 2 Phoenix, Arizona Chase Field 3 games 65,464 POOL 1 POOL 2 Scottsdale, Arizona 3 games 25,741 San Juan, Puerto Rico Hiram Bithorn Stadium 12 games 169,974 Orlando, Florida Disney’s Wide World of Sports 6 games 59,988 Anaheim, California Angel Stadium 6 games 191,717 San Diego, California PETCO Park 3 games 126,603 ROUND 1

POOL A POOL B POOL C POOL D

TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 740,451

“I enjoyed everything about it except the result. I’d ‘Classic’ Captured on DVD recommend that anyone ajor League Baseball Productions followed every team in the inaugural who’s asked should play M tournament and the result not only gives you an up-close at all the in the next one.” action but also takes you behind-the-scenes – in the clubhouse and the stands – with unprecedented access. With an inspirational pre-game speech by Cuba – Although his U.S. team did not win the manager Higinio Velez, audio available in English, Japanese, Korean or Spanish, championship, All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter gives a and wireless sound from many of the Major League Baseball players strong endorsement for the 2009 participating in this event, this is sure to be both a commemorative keepsake World Baseball Classic. and a historical benchmark. The DVD can be purchased at shop.mlb.com.

For more World Baseball Classic information contact James Pearce at 212-931-7518 or [email protected]. 8