MLB.com Mobile App Offers Fans a Chance to Win $5.6 Million Grand Prize

NEW YORK, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- MLB.com has introduced a Beat the Streak® mobile application built exclusively for iPhone, offering fans the chance to win a $5.6 million grand prize in the free fantasy game if they can surpass the legendary consecutive games hitting streak mark of 56 games. In addition to the new iPhone App, accessible in the App Store, the free-to-play game and official rules also are available online at MLB.com/bts.

Fan participation in Beat the Streak fantasy game continues at a record clip in 2011 as more than 2 million streaks have been started since Opening Day, representing a 105% increase over the same period in 2010. Since Beat the Streak's inaugural season in 2001, more than 30 million streaks have been started by users, including the current all-time record of 49 straight games (2007).

"Beat the Streak always has been a fun and easy way for fans to wade into fantasy baseball and the iPhone App expands fans' participatory opportunities," said Gregg Klayman, Vice President, Product Development for MLB.com, and Beat The Streak creator. "The game provides a lively and engaging platform, putting fans into the figurative shoes of players chasing this hallowed baseball record, while also vying against friends, colleagues, and millions of others in pursuit of the $5.6 million grand prize."

Scotts, the Official Lawn Care Company of Major League Baseball, has relationships with nine teams including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

The Beat the Streak App is available free from the App Store on iPhone. For more information, visit MLB.com.

How to Play "MLB.com Beat the Streak® presented by Scotts"

MLB.com Beat the Streak® presented by Scotts is a free fantasy game that gives eligible contestants a chance to win a grand prize of $5.6 million if they can sustain a hitting streak of at least 57 games. Each day, contestants choose a Major League player they think will get a hit. If a selected player delivers a hit on that day, the streak continues and the contestant chooses either another player or the same player the following day. If a selected player ever goes hitless for that day, the streak ends and a new streak can begin the next day.

In addition to competing for the grand prize, users can organize or join individual groups as a separate contest to seek bragging rights over friends, families, co-workers or whomever they choose to play against.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S., D.C. or Canada (excl. Quebec) & of legal age of majority in jurisdiction of residence. Ends following conclusion of final game of 2011 MLB regular season. The Beat the Streak Prize ("Prize") of US$5,600,000 is subject to applicable taxes & awarded as winner's choice of (i) a 40-yr annuity of US$140,000 per year without interest (equaling US$5,600,000) (the "Annual Payments"), or (ii) lump sum payment of the estimated present value of the Annual Payments as of March 31, 2011 of approximately two million seven hundred sixteen thousand dollars (US$2,716,000). If no eligible participant achieves a 57-game hitting streak, Prize will not be awarded. In no event will more than 1 Prize be awarded. Void in Quebec & where prohibited. See Official Rules, which govern, for complete details.

About ScottsMiracle-Gro

With approximately $3 billion in worldwide sales, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro®, and Ortho® brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. In the U.S., the Company operates Scotts LawnService®, the second largest residential lawn care service business. In Europe, the Company's brands include Weedol®, Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington®, Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®. For additional information, visit us at www.scotts.com.

SOURCE MLB.com