Spalding turns to ace softballer Jennie Finch
The Spalding Group, the Springfield sporting goods brand, said it has signed up softball star Jennie Finch (left) to endorse its Dudley line of softball products.
Finch led the University of Arizona to the National Championship in 2001 and is set to participate in the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, Spalding noted.
Spalding said Dudley will introduce a branded line of Jennie Finch softballs as part of its 2009 product line, and added that she will be involved in product development across the fast-pitch line of products.
"I look forward to developing a line with Dudley that will encourage young girls to become part of the game," Finch said in a statement.
A division of Russell Corp., the Spalding Group consists of two business units, Spalding in Springfield and American Athletic Inc. in Iowa; combined, the two companies claim to be the largest supplier of basketball equipment in the world.
Besides softballs and basketballs, the division produces and markets footballs, volleyballs, and soccer balls, the company said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)
