In N.Y., Phil Mushnick cited sources as saying that the Tri-State Ford Dealers Association "has parted company" with Yankees SS Derek Jeter, "ending an endorsement relationship" that began in '05. The separation has "nothing to do" with Jeter's "current state of health." In his current Ford spots, the "emphasis is all on the car." A source said, "It’s not unusual for a company to want to freshen things up and go in a different direction" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 4/14).
POOL PLAY: Tyr has signed a four-year sponsorship with USA Water Polo. The swimsuit company, which also has a sponsorship deal with USA Swimming, will replace Athleta as the official outfitting partner of the men’s and women’s national teams. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Tyr will provide apparel and competition gear ranging from water polo suits and caps to robes. USA Water Polo's sponsors include 24 Hour Fitness, American Pistachios, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Jamba Juice, Liberty Mutual, Mikasa Sports and others (Tripp Mickle, Staff Writer).
THE SAUCE IS BOSS: MLB.com's Dick Kaegel reported Royals DH Billy Butler "has his own brand of barbecue sauce, 'Billy's Hit It A Ton Barbecue Sauce,' now in area grocery stores." All the profits "will go to Butler's favorite charity, the Bishop Sullivan Center and St. James Place which feeds the hungry of Kansas City." In his "Hit It A Ton" campaign, Butler and corporate sponsors "finance one ton of food for every home run he hits and a half-ton for every double." The barbecue sauce is "made by Zarda, a local company" (MLB.com, 4/13).
