In Detroit, George Stoia noted with Jack Morris and Alan Trammell's Baseball HOF induction over the weekend, the cost of their signatures on "baseballs, bats, gloves -- and just about anything else -- have nearly doubled." Morris' autograph was "roughly around $30 and is now basically $60 for just a ball or a flat." Trammell's value "might be slightly higher in some instances." This is "mostly due to Morris doing more signatures and Trammell being a position player" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/28).
STICKING AROUND: In Charlotte, Katherine Peralta noted the NFL Panthers are "not" severing ties with Papa John's in the wake of the recent scandal involving founder John Schnatter. Panthers Dir of Communications Steven Drummond said, "We still have a relationship." Peralta noted the pact dates back to '14, though it is "unclear how much the deal is worth" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/28).
ARTS & CRAFTSMAN: NHRA team Kalitta Motorsports has announced a sponsorship with Craftsman, the latest in a string of new deals for the tool brand now owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Craftsman will be the primary sponsor on driver Richie Crampton’s Top Fuel dragster starting at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis at the end of August and continuing through six further events. Craftsman last week announced it is returning to NASCAR as well as part of Stanley Black & Decker’s pre-existing deal with Joe Gibbs Racing (Adam Stern, Staff Writer).
