Sports Marketing
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Sports marketing is starting to get out of control. Giant billboards are fine, virtual ads behind home plate - no problem. Selling Coke or Pepsi in the park, who even notices? Product placement like Gatorade on the sidelines - they have to drink something. Selling ads [Spider Man] on the bases - too much!
In an article on ESPN.com Bob DuPuy, Major League Baseball’s president and chief operating officer, states, “This does nothing to impact the play of the game. The base doesn’t know that it has a corporate name on it, nor does the foot that hits the base.”
In a quote from Phil Webb, “Bob DuPuy should tattoo ‘shithead’ on his forehead and say ‘the forehead doesn’t know’.”
DuPuy is right; it doesn’t impact the play of the game. It does however impact me, the fan, watching the game. I want to watch a baseball game. I want to see Curt Shilling mow down hitters. I want to see Manny hit balls over the Green Monster. I want to see Nomar make diving plays. I want to see Varitek throw someone out at second trying to steal. I don’t want see Spider Man on second base when he does it, and then see the replay 3 times showing Spider Man and eventually see it on Sports Center at 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am ... well you get the idea.
The base may not know but I do. The foot may not know and the foot’s owner probably doesn’t care because he just wants a piece of the money. Maybe his foot should get some royalties each time he steps on the base showing the ad. Maybe the players union can add something else in their contracts.
Section 105; Paragraph 32; Line 3:
Any time said player touches a base with advertising a percentage of fees paid to MLB and the respective team shall be allotted to the player and MLBPA. Each time a reply or highlight is shown royalties will be paid to said player.
Major League baseball isn’t NASCAR. Chico’s Bail Bonds get your checkbook out! The Padres need some cash.
UPDATE: How quickly things change. Due to the overwhelming negative response to the Spider Man ads, Major League Baseball has decided against using them on the bases.