A spokesperson representing Shake Shack said that a promotion by the QSR's first Baltimore location offering free custard to anyone dressed in Orioles gear on Friday -- the day of the team's home opener -- "ended abruptly Thursday when the franchise learned of copyright objections" from MLB. TAA PR Account Coordinator Mia DeSimone, whose firm represents Shake Shack, said that the league contacted the eatery and "notified the company that the use of the word 'Orioles' constituted a 'copyright issue.'" In Baltimore, John-John Williams notes Shake Shack as a result "decided, rather than renaming or changing the promotion, to cancel it entirely" (Baltimore SUN, 4/10).
GONE FISHIN': In California, Marcia Smith notes the Team Store at Angel Stadium has a new selection of CF Mike Trout merchandise, "ranging from jerseys and MVP T-shirts to puffy dolls that look kind of like pin cushions." Trout last season "led all players" in merch sales. One Trout T-shirt "spells T-R-O-U-T in front of the words talented, remarkable, outstanding, unbelievable and thrilling" and "goes for $28.99" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 4/10).
YOU BET IT'S NOT: Following MLB's recent deal with DraftKings, CNBC's Joe Kernen asked MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred if fantasy games are "not gambling in your view.” Manfred repeated his stance, saying, “It's not just my view. There's a line in the law and we understand that line very carefully. Before we did the deal with DraftKings we looked at all the games on their site, had them analyzed. We’re comfortable that they’re fantasy and we think the fantasy space is really, really important to us in terms of engaging young people” ("Squawk Box," CNBC, 4/10).
THIS BUD'S FOR YOU: Orioles P Bud Norris throughout the year will rep Diamond Resorts Int'l at scheduled public appearances and during golf tournaments. Diamond Resorts members, owners and guests will have the chance to meet and dine with Norris before watching him pitch in a game (DRI).
