Tabletop Baseball Game Maker Granted License by Major League Baseball Properties

SEATTLE, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based Ballpark Classics, Inc. and Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) today announced they have entered into a multi-year licensing agreement. The agreement gives the company rights to re-create Major League Baseball (MLB) venues as scale-model inserts for its popular Ballpark Classics tabletop baseball games.

Termed the "foosball of baseball," Ballpark Classics is a game system that combines a wood cabinet with an array of felt-top fields and fences, called Parkpacks. Parkpacks are 3-D scale models of famous MLB stadiums, fields and parks, and under the agreement, Ballpark Classics will manufacture and distribute iconic MLB venues such as Fenway Park, Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field.

"Ballpark Classics has caught on with a growing fan base," said Doug Strohm, president and founder of Ballpark Classics. "Now we can take it to the next level and field a winning lineup of beloved MLB ballparks that fans can play and enjoy at home."

"We are pleased to welcome Ballpark Classics into the MLB family," said Howard Smith, senior vice president, licensing, Major League Baseball. "Ballparks hold a special place in the hearts of our fans, and Ballpark Classics celebrates their unique attributes and history with a game that's fun for all fans."

Ballpark Classics MLB home games are making their debut at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, February 14–17, 2010.

About Ballpark Classics

Ballpark Classics is a tabletop arcade baseball game of skill and strategy. Featuring fine hardwoods, precision craftsmanship and a nonwoven fabric playing field, Ballpark Classics provides infinite pitching options and realistic hitting in an authentic MLB ballpark setting. To pitch, players place a steel baseball into a pitching pipe and squeeze it with their thumb or fingers. By changing finger placements and adjusting the force, players throw fastballs, curves, change-ups, sliders and more. It's easy to do, but challenging to perfect -- just like real baseball. Batting is all about timing, bat speed and getting inside the pitcher's head. Needing no batteries or electricity, Ballpark Classics is fun for all ages and works across generations. Ballpark Classics is a great unplugged experience with high play value and trophy quality. For more information on Ballpark Classics, visit www.ballparkclassics.com.

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. MLBP 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 a 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 to www.MLB.com.

SOURCE Ballpark Classics, Inc.