Partnership extension to run through 2028
CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball and USA Baseball Sports Properties within Learfield, the media and technology company powering athletics, today announced an extension of its partnership with Chinook Seedery, The Official Sunflower Seed Supplier of USA Baseball. Beginning in 2024, Chinook will serve as the presenting sponsor of USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award, which annually honors the top amateur baseball player in the nation.
This addition to the multi-year relationship will run through 2028, which will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Golden Spikes Award. The award is given each year to the player who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship.
“This extension of our partnership with Chinook Seedery is an exciting step in promoting the most prestigious award in amateur baseball,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. “Chinook’s mission to partner with high-character athletes who are committed to excellence aligns perfectly with the values we look for in the process of identifying the winner of the Golden Spikes Award each year. I can’t think of a better organization to serve as the presenting sponsor for this award.”
As a premier partner of the organization, Chinook will continue to supply USA Baseball’s national teams and national team development programs with sunflower seeds. Additionally, USA Baseball and Chinook Seedery will later collaborate on a special sunflower seed flavor.
“Chinook Seedery is committed to partnering with the best of the best,” said Chinook Founder and Chief Seed Enthusiast Mark Pettyjohn. “Our existing partnerships with Bobby Witt Jr. and USA Baseball have aligned our brand with high-character athletes who are committed to excellence. Team Chinook is excited and proud to further this vision by becoming the presenting sponsor of the Golden Spikes Award. This is a dream come true for our organization.”
The 2024 Golden Spikes Award winner will be announced on June 22 at 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT) on ESPN ahead of Game 1 of the College World Series finals. More information is available on the award’s website at GoldenSpikesAward.com.
Launched in 2020, Learfield’s USA Baseball Sports Properties is dedicated to representing USA Baseball by developing and managing sponsor relationships with brands looking to align with USA Baseball and its events and programming.
About Chinook Seedery
Based in Austin, Texas, Chinook Seedery is the country’s fastest-growing sunflower seed brand, providing a “better-for-you option” that is lower in sodium, non-GMO verified, gluten-free, and Keto friendly. Chinook combines a unique small-batch process with the largest, most premium seeds grown in the US, resulting in the “best seeds ever.” For more information or to try the product, visit http://www.chinookseedery.com, or follow us on Instagram (@chinookseedery), Facebook (@chinookseedery), and Twitter (@chinookseedery).
About USA Baseball
With its international headquarters located in Cary, North Carolina, USA Baseball is the national governing body for baseball in the United States and has been committed to serving, protecting, and supporting the game and its 15.6 million participants since 1978. As a member of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), its national teams have won a combined 69 gold medals in international competition. Off the diamond, the organization is dedicated to the proliferation and health of the sport through the creation and management of numerous development initiatives including BASE (Baseball Athlete Safety Education), Fun At Bat, Pitch Smart, PLAY BALL, and the Prospect Development Pipeline. Additionally, USA Baseball annually honors the top amateur baseball player in the country with the Golden Spikes Award. For more information on the organization, its national teams, and development-driven initiatives, visit the official website USABaseball.com or USABDevelops.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is a diversified and influential media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.