Rawlings and the Commission on Athletics have signed a sponsorship agreement making the St. Louis-based sporting goods manufacturer the official ball supplier of the Hyundai-California Community College Baseball Championships through the conclusion of the 2005 season.

Rawlings has been the official ball supplier for the COA baseball championships since 1996 and the new agreement renews the relationship that was set to expire at the conclusion of this season.

"This is by far one of the most successful agreements I've been involved with since I've been with Rawlings," said Dave Bracci, the company's Western Regional Sales Manager. "We've had outstanding support from the system's coaches. They are among the most supportive groups I've ever had the pleasure to work with, and it has been a goal of mine for some time to renew this agreement."

"We've been pleased to have Rawlings as our baseball supplier and as part of our growing family of corporate partners for some time now, and we look forward to five more years with this nationally-recognized company," said Athletic Commissioner Dr. Joanne A. Fortunato. "We know that Rawlings will help us to continue to improve our baseball championships."

Besides being the official baseball supplier, Rawlings will be entitled to four 30-second spots during the television broadcast of the state championship game, banners at the state baseball championship site, product display rights, mentions on all COA-sanctioned game broadcasts on radio or television, guaranteed baseball sales and purchases of other baseball equipment by each of the state's participating schools, and an ad banner, including links to its company's site, on the COA web site, as well as other provisions.

In return, Rawlings will donate money to the CCC Baseball Coaches Association and the COA based on the number of baseballs sold during the year, as well as pay an annual stipend.