MLB "is about to launch an aggressive, nationwide
publicity campaign to promote" Opening Day, according to
Gary Caruso of the ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE. Caruso
reports that former Braves Publicity Director Bob Hope,
President of Atlanta-based Hope-Beckham, is "the man behind"
the campaign. Hope declined to elaborate on the plan,
"preferring to let Major League Baseball announce it," and
an industry source "indicated the announcement could take
place in Atlanta during the Super Show." According to the
source, the campaign "consists of 13 'unique selling points'
of the game, each of which will be highlighted in a
different media event in 13 big-league cites during March."
Caruso reports that "while parts of the program are awaiting
approval," some of events of the first week in April could
include an Opening Day logo on uniforms; players wearing
white Opening Day caps; players greeting fans at the gates;
pre-game introductions of players' families and Little
Leaguers on the field before games (ATLANTA BUSINESS
CHRONICLE, 2/10).
