SPONSOR SEARCH: The Detroit Free Press Int'l Marathon
Presented by M-CARE is searching for a title sponsor. The
October 16-18 event is managed and operated by IMG (IMG).
NOTES: In AZ, D'Backs Manager Buck Showalter is
starring in TV ads for Bank One. A future ad will include
one that is tied to Bank One Ballpark's 8,000 tons of air
conditioning. It will feature Showalter and D'Backs
pitching coach Mark Connor wearing parkas (ARIZONA REPUBLIC,
3/25)....NY-based ANC Sports Enterprises has signed multi-
year agreements with the Braves, Dodgers, Devil Rays and
Padres to serve as the exclusive supplier of rotating
signage at their ballparks. ANC Sports now serves six MLB
teams, and will work with the Dodgers in selling inventory
for the signage (ANC Sports)....The MLBPA has licensed WA-
based Pacific Trading Cards to create and distribute MLB
player trading cards. The first product released under the
new license will ship to retailers in May (MLBPA)....MA-
based Woolf Associates has been retained by Boston College
QB Matt Hasselbeck for representation (Woolf Associates).
SOUTHERN MEN: The Southern League of Professional
Baseball Clubs announced a new marketing partnership with
FL-based AirTran Airlines that includes several advertising
components, an AirTran home run/triple promo and presenting
sponsorships. In addition, Southern Ford Dealers have been
named title sponsor for the '98 Southern League All-Star
Game June 22 in Mobile, AL (Southern League).
