RAWLINGS NAMED MLBP'S OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF BASEBALLS

     MLBP and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company have entered into a
letter of intent naming Rawlings the league's official supplier
of baseballs.  As part of the agreement, Rawlings will become a
participant in MLB's Authentic Diamond Collection (authentic
merchandise used in the field of play), producing authentic and
replica All-Star Game, Division Series, LCS, and World Series
baseballs through 2000.  Rawlings also gets the right to produce
authentic baseballs with club logos.  Rawlings President & CEO
Carl Shields noted that by continuing their partnership with MLB,
Rawlings will see "additional future growth opportunities in the
rejuvenated memorabilia market" (MLBP).