World Baseball Classic Drafts Grey

NEW YORK WPP Group's Grey in New York has been chosen to handle advertising for the World Baseball Classic, an international tournament set to begin in March.

Spending was not disclosed, but sources said media support could top $10 million.

"Grey presented us with a powerful creative idea that promises to resonate with baseball fans around the globe," said Paul Archey, svp, business operations, Major League Baseball. "We look forward to working with Grey again to take the World Baseball Classic's popularity to new levels."

The agency helped launch the competition in 2006. In March of that year, 486 players (235 of them from the North American Major Leagues) representing 16 teams from across the globe competed in the inaugural event. Team Japan was the victor.

The upcoming tournament will be the first World Baseball Classic held since then.

Grey group evp Maureen Maldari said: "This is a tremendous vote of confidence and we are thrilled to be part of this unique event that celebrates baseball as the international pastime."

World Baseball Classic is a company created at the direction of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to operate the tournament.