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People have noticed that LIV Golf star Cameron Young is sporting an MLB logo on his shirt at the 2023 Masters tournament. This sponsorship has piqued the interest of many golf and baseball fans alike, leading to questions about why a golfer is sponsored by a baseball league.
Why is Cameron Young sponsored by MLB?
Young's MLB sponsorship dates back to his childhood. His father, who recently retired as the head pro at Sleepy Hollow Country Club outside New York City, coached Cameron, and the family had a close relationship with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who is also a member of Sleepy Hollow.
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When Young turned pro and was playing on mini-tours, Manfred asked if he would be interested in wearing the MLB logo, and Young accepted. The sponsorship has continued ever since and has proven to be a great partnership for both parties.
Interestingly, Young isn't the only golfer to be sponsored by MLB. In 2015, Golf.com reported that Peter Malnati, Billy Andrade, Brendon Todd and Spencer Levin were also wearing the MLB patch. The idea came from sports agent Dave Parker, who negotiated a deal for his client Shawn Stefani. In addition to a little money, Stefani also received access to networking opportunities and, most importantly, free tickets to Houston Astros games.
MLB sponsorship of golfers may seem unusual, but there is a crossover between golf and baseball fans. Many reports indicate that the demographics of golf and baseball fans are similar, making the crossover a logical one for the MLB. Additionally, it’s a great way for the league to get exposure in front of a new audience.
While some may find the idea of a golfer sponsored by a baseball league odd, the MLB sponsorship has proven to be a successful partnership for Cameron Young and the league. The crossover between golf and baseball fans has led to other golfers wearing the MLB patch, and it's likely that we'll see more in the future.
