Rookie of the Year EVAN LONGORIA Steps to the Plate for THE SPORTYS All-New Baseball DVD!
Thursday December 4, 2008

Kids and families nationwide will get into "the game" of baseball with The Sportys, the animated DVD that coaches young MVPs on the "ins" and "outs" of America's favorite pastime, while imparting lessons that are valuable on and off the playing field! 2008 Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria has joined The Sportys "team" as spokesperson, while Academy Award nominee Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile, Kung Fu Panda) stars as the voice of "Stitch" the baseball, who leads a diverse group of characters through the sport in a way that's so entertaining, kids won't know they're learning. Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long stars in a live-action bonus segment. The Sportys DVD ($19.99) is available at www.TheSportys.com with FREE shipping through the end of the year. A portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the RBI Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports inner-city baseball programs nationwide.

"The Sportys reinforces the idea that everyone can be part of a 'winning' team, no matter their shape, size or skills," said Bobby Barad, Founder and President of The Sportys, Inc. "We created the DVD to entertain children, as they learn -- almost 'by accident' -- about the game and the values that come into play on the baseball diamond and beyond."

For budding players and fans, each DVD includes a FREE collectible poster featuring tips from Mr. Longoria, one of today's youngest and hottest stars of the sport. The full-color poster includes photos and suggestions from Mr. Longoria for fielding, hitting, hustling and, of course, having fun!

"I'm excited to be a part of The Sportys and in the position to make a difference in kids' lives through something I know and love," said Mr. Longoria, Third Baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. "It takes hard work, practice, confidence and determination to achieve your dreams and The Sportys is the perfect vehicle for teaching kids these important lessons in an entertaining way."

The Sportys shows kids the ropes of baseball in a format that is as entertaining as a popular TV series -- complete with an adorable "team" of characters created by Dan Yaccarino, the illustrator behind the animated stars of hit children's programs such as Oswald and The Backyardigans. The Sportys teaches kids about sportsmanship and teamwork, while boosting their self-confidence and putting them at ease about learning something new.

The Sportys' team encourages kids of all ages and ability levels to get off the couch and into the game! The animated 22-minute segment walks kids through baseball's rules and terms, including "fair vs. foul" and "ball vs. strike," incorporating big laughs and catchy songs along the way.

Another "grand slam" is The Sportys' 30-minute "Coach at Home" segment featuring Mr. Long, a hands-on tutorial with pointers for parents on teaching baseball skills to their children.
MLB player Brady Clark serves as Executive Producer of the DVD.

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