February 2008
Mattingly Names New VP of Marketing and Advertising
Jim Bel Bruno, formerly of Modell's, Joins Team

Shelton, CT, February 18, 2008. - Jim Bel Bruno, formerly of Modell's Sporting Goods, will take over as Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Mattingly Sports, a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball equipment founded by Major League Baseball legend Don Mattingly.

"As I have learned over the past several years, the sporting goods industry is as competitive as the baseball diamond and it's imperative you field a top notch team," said Mattingly. "I couldn't be happier about bringing on board an executive of Jim's caliber and I'm thrilled he sees the tremendous potential of our organization."

Prior to his new position at Mattingly Sports, Bel Bruno worked for Modell's Sporting Goods as VP of Marketing and Advertising. He oversaw all company brand and promotional efforts for the (135) store chain, including sports and vendor marketing, customer loyalty, television, radio, print and digital initiatives. Jim also spent over four years working in various marketing capacities for the National Football League. At the NFL he oversaw development of national advertising campaigns for their Consumer Products Division and helped maintain relationships with their vendor, retail and club partners. Jim also worked for Herman's Sporting Goods and holds an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University.

"We are very excited about Jim joining our team. His brand marketing experience and extensive knowledge of the sporting goods industry will have an immediate impact on our business," said Skip Shaw, President of Mattingly Sports. "His addition helps round out a management team that is second to none in the industry and further positions Mattingly Sports for explosive growth in the coming years."

Mattingly Sports:
Founded in 2005 by former New York Yankee Don Mattingly, Mattingly Sports provides innovative, high quality baseball and softball equipment, including the patented V-Grip Handle line of bats. Widely known as the first bat manufacturer to meld both world-class technology and hitting technique into bat manufacturing--the company was founded to promote improved hitting mechanics in baseball and softball players through the use of the patented V-Grip" bat combined with Don Mattingly's approach to hitting. With its headquarters located in Shelton, CT Mattingly Sports conducts business with all major sporting goods retailers across the United States. Online at www.MattinglyBaseball.com.