ROME PROTECTS HIS BUD: In Cleveland, Roger Brown writes
that Jim Rome is looking to "make one of his infamous 'tour
stops' at Blossom Music Center" in OH in June. But "word is
that one obstacle is holding things up: Blossom only sells
Coors beer -- and Rome is sponsored by Budweiser." Brown
adds, "Many of Rome's listeners drink six packs of both. In
one sitting" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 3/17).
PLEASED WITH DEAL: The AP's Jim Litke examines Martina
Navratilova's recently signed endorsement deal with Subaru,
in which she will be featured in a national TV ad for the
first time (see THE DAILY, 3/13). Navratilova told Litke if
she had "been quiet about" her homosexuality, she "would
have had ads long before this. It's a fact" (AP, 3/17).
DEALS & DOLLARS: Morley Candy Makers introduced the Cal
Bar, a chocolate bar around Orioles 3B Cal Ripken, Jr.
Proceeds will benefit schools and youth organizations, as
well as Ripken's charitable program designed to educate
children about baseball (Morley)....Sergio Garcia signed a
five-year deal to promote the Microsoft "Links" PC golf
simulation and its WingspanBank.com Virtual Golf Association
(Microsoft)....The AP's Dunstan Prial wonders if recently
retired QB Dan Marino will be the next athlete endorser in
Charles Schwab's latest ad campaign and writes that "stars
who usually tout sneakers and soft drinks have emerged as
effective pitchmen for the bankers and brokers of high
finance." David Romishar, a NJ dentist, on Schwab's effort:
"What they're doing is focusing on the everyday guy like me.
They're utilizing the athletes to say, 'Hey, you've seen me
play ball, but I also invest just like you do'" (AP, 3/17).
