Sanrio Expands Relationship with MLB Properties for 2014 Season

Sanrio, Inc., best known for global pop iconĀ Hello Kitty, has expanded its Major League Baseball-themed collection for the 2014 baseball season to highlight all 30 MLB teams. The expanded collaboration, which will build upon the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres themed collections introduced in 2013, will launch on Opening Day and bring a wide offering of MLB-themedĀ Hello KittyĀ merchandise to baseball fans across the country.

Beginning on Opening Day of the 2014 season, MLB-themedĀ Hello KittyĀ products will be available at the in-stadium stores of all 30 MLB teams, select mass retailers, sporting good and specialty stores and MLB.com. Merchandise will include a variety of souvenirs and fan accessories, from collectible Hello Kitty team baseballs, pins, key chains, magnets and plush, to cell phone covers, bags, throws and much more, with MLB-themed apparel also available. Select items will be available later this Spring atĀ Sanrio.comĀ and select Sanrio Boutique Stores.

"Major League Baseball and Hello Kitty both have an avid, passionate fan base," said David Marchi, Sr. Director of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc. "Our new relationship with MLB offers fans a wide selection of products and invites them to show their team spirit as well as their love for Hello Kitty."

"Season after season, we look for new and creative ways to expand our offerings to reach specific fans, so teaming up with an iconic brand like Hello Kitty gives our fans a fun new way to support their favorite team," said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. "The Hello Kitty brand appeals to a younger audience in a way that we've never done before, targeting a teen and tween based female demographic with a full lineup of offerings spanning from souvenirs to merchandise just in time for the start of the 2014 season."

Stemming from the overwhelming popularity of theĀ Hello KittyĀ promotions at Dodger Stadium in 2012 and 2013,Ā Hello KittyĀ will make additional special game time appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees this season, with potential for additional appearances with participating teams. A limited number of Hello Kitty gifts will be available on a first come, first served basis with a purchase of a game ticket. Special appearances and promotions for each stadium are scheduled for:

  • Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger StadiumĀ - June 3rd,Ā Hello KittyĀ mini bobble head gift
  • San Francisco Giants at AT&T ParkĀ - June 8th,Ā Hello KittyĀ plush gift
  • Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger StadiumĀ - July 10th,Ā Hello KittyĀ travel mug gift
  • New York Yankees at Yankee StadiumĀ - August 24th,Ā Hello KittyĀ bobble head gift

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About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who celebrates her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters includingĀ Chococat,Ā My Melody,Ā Badtz-MaruĀ andĀ Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visitĀ www.sanrio.comĀ andĀ www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

About Major League Baseball Properties
The Major League Baseball Clubs formed Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) in 1966 as the Clubs' agent for marketing and trademark licensing and protection. Major League Baseball Properties is responsible for managing consumer licensing activities, developing national advertising campaigns, cultivating sponsorship opportunities with major consumer brands and corporations, growing the game and the business of baseball outside the United States and creating national marketing programs in conjunction with Clubs, broadcast rights holders and national sponsors. MLBP also operates a full-service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series as well as all other special events. For more information on Major League Baseball, log on toĀ www.MLB.com.

Press Contact:
Orsi Public Relations Janet Orsi/Dyann Hawkins (323)874-4073
Janet@orsipr.com/dyann@orsipr.com

Major League Baseball Contact:
Lauren Verrusio (212) 931-7607
Lauren.Verrusio@mlb.com