Sports PR| Major League Baseball’s strong point? Product quality

Sport silences critics with exciting end-of-season play

Baseball, once the unmatched American Pastime, has faced scrutiny in recent times; in today’s fast-paced society, it seems few have time for a lazy afternoon at the ballpark. Attendance and revenues have been off-pace, and opportunities like Barry Bonds’ throttling of Major League Baseball home run records have been squandered by steroid-infused controversies like that of Roger Clemens (and, again, Barry Bonds).

But as many have pointed out, if this season’s division races are any indication of the postseason to follow, baseball is stronger than ever.

Baseball’s strongest selling point has always been the game day experience, rife with Dollar Dog Nights and plenty of player-fan interaction. But the MLB has an ace up its sleeve this year in the quality of baseball being played.

The Tampa Bay Rays have been nothing short of electric this year. (The Triangle benefits here; our Durham Bulls are the Rays’ Triple-A affiliate. Go Bulls!) The NL East race between rivals Philadelphia and New York has captivated the East Coast. And surely the Chicago White Sox-Minnesota Twins battle — still being fought! — will net some attention.

It’s easy to market yourself when you clearly offer a great product. The MLB boasts the best players in the world, from all corners of the globe; no other international league even comes close. The “World Series” isn’t a misnomer.

(While we’re at it: What will it take for professional baseball in Raleigh to finally become a reality?)

In need of a public relations boost around the Triangle? Visit the MMI Associates website for more information. Any questions? Give me, Patty, a call at 919-233-6600.