Chicago Cubs (Blasphemy?) & Two-fisted Coffee - Friday, February 16, 2007

Friday, February 16, 2007
10:04 a.m.

This a two-fisted coffee day. 0°F in the Loop right now. Two fists, wrapped around the biggest coffee I could buy. It is as much for holding as it is for drinking.

Big news, though, is something the Cubbies did. Pick a Chicago sports talk show, and there you go. Story goes that when Opening Day hits, our boys will be looking at under arm deodarant ads in right and left field.

No one can accuse the Cubs of selling out. They need to survive, and the owners feel it is easier to plaster a billboard on a wall that fork up cash to retain good players (We all know the Greg Maddux story), this is what they do. Fans are money makers, and, as long as they will fill the bleachers without a winner, there is no point in finding better players. It won't make any difference. Instead, they sold the wall.

Will Martha Stewart be doing a show on how to trim the ivy? Will Home Depot or Lowe's start commercials for building better bleachers?

Maybe the Cubs did sell out, but it is only selling out if the fans care. The only way we will know that is if they buy (or don't buy) Cubs tickets this summer.

You could e-mail the Cubs, and tell them what you think. If you don't, White Sox fans will. ;)

source: businesswire.com

CHICAGO CUBS:
Peter Chase
773-858-4821
pchase@cubs.com

This press release will explain it better than myself.

Chicago Cubs, Under Armour Reach Partnership Agreement
Deal Includes First-of-Its-Kind Signage at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO and BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Chicago Cubs and Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE:UA) today announced a partnership agreement that includes first ever signage on two outfield doors in left and right field at historic Wrigley Field. The signage, 7-by-12 foot paintings of Under Armour's signature logo, will be in place in time for the Cubs' 2007 home opener on Monday, April 9 vs. Houston.

“We greatly appreciate the Chicago Cubs’ history and wanted to be part of their new direction and exciting future,” said Under Armour’s VP of Brand Steve Battista. “We’re thrilled to partner with such a storied ballclub as a symbol of their strong desire to improve on-field performance while blazing new trails with the franchise.”

The deal comes on the heels of Under Armour’s recent growth on the baseball diamond, highlighted by the recent release of their first-ever line of baseball cleats. Alfonso Soriano, the highly-touted free agent signed by the Cubs in the off-season, will wear Under Armour performance batting gloves and wristbands this coming season, and is featured prominently in the Cubs’ 2007 advertising.

“The Chicago Cubs’ mission is to develop a winning culture and our partnership with Under Armour reflects that vision,” said Jay Blunk, the Cubs’ Director, Marketing and Sales. "The Cubs are committed to finding alternative and creative revenue streams to build the championship team our fans richly deserve."

The partnership also gives Under Armour, known as the originator of moisture-wicking performance apparel worn by athletes on playing fields around the world, advertising rights to the signage behind home plate in Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the country. The Under Armour logo is also featured in the country's oldest major league stadium, Boston’s Fenway Park, where Under Armour shares space with on the Green Monster with sporting goods retailer, The Sports Authority.

About Under Armour, Inc.

Under Armour® (NYSE: UA) is a leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. The brand’s moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The company’s products are sold worldwide and worn by professional football, baseball, and soccer players, as well as athletes in major collegiate and Olympic sports. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, and there are UA offices in Denver, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Toronto. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.underarmour.com.