The move, hoping to capitalise on an increasing number of female fans of the sport, will see the MLB partner on a number of initiatives with National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), the women's professional softball league formerly known as the Women's Professional Softball League (WPSL).
MLB will be the official developmental partner of NPF, and will help promote the NPF at MLB games and events throughout the 2003 baseball season. The relationship between MLB primarily will be marketing and outreach support.
Representatives from both organizations gathered at MLB headquarters to announce the relationship and details of the Fastpitch Festival Tour. was in attendance, along with NPF President and CEO Rich Levine, NPF co-founder and Secretary Jane Cowles and 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist and professional fastpitch All-Star Julie Smith.
MLB executive vice president, administration John McHale said: "We believe that the baseball-NPF partnership will help us expand our ability to grow our fan base by connecting with the growing number of players and fans that enjoy the game of fastpitch."
The new relationship between MLB and NPF is part of commissioner Bud Selig's 'Initiative on Women and Baseball' launched in 2000. The initiative was intended to reach the growing audiences of women and families at ballparks across the country.
Earlier this week, Selig announced a new marketing taskforce was being formed to report on the sport and recommend improvements. The findings are not expected for around 12 months.
Major League Baseball's continuing push to boost its popularity has resulted in it signing a new five-year deal with a women's softball league.
