America’s pastime will be the backdrop for several tire dealer and consumer promotions as Yokohama Tire Corporation turns a nifty double play by sponsoring two minor league baseball teams this season. Yokohama has signed to be the official tire of the Triple-A Columbus Clippers as well as the Double-A Reading Phillies, according to Dan King, Yokohama’s director of sales, consumer products.

"What better to promote Yokohama tires at the grassroots level than minor league baseball?" said King. "We think all the promotions we have planned will be a big hit with our dealers and their customers."

Each team will offer different promotions, including in-store ticket giveaways, in-stadium contests like tire races, a pool party (at Phillies’ stadium), family night specials, pre-game events, prizes such as autographed jerseys and bats and so on. Yokohama will also have signage in the outfields, radio spots, presence on the teams’ websites and other corporate identifications.

"The baseball sponsorships and promotions are designed to drive traffic to local dealers to enable them to sell more Yokohama tires," said King.

Yokohama Tire Corporation offers a complete line of tires, including high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, as well as off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.

Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the "Taking Care of Your Tires" section at www.yokohamatire.com.