John Hancock became a sponsor of Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1999. The partnership gives John Hancock the ability to broaden local and national marketing initiatives through a series of Major League Baseball themed events.

"We believe in the marketing power of Major League Baseball," says Corporate Communications Senior Vice President Steve Burgay. "There's been a resurgence of interest, attendance and participation in Major League Baseball.

"As a result, its value to John Hancock as a marketing and co-branding tool is enormous. As we've continued to expand our product and distribution lines in the financial services business, Major League Baseball has become a partner, a differentiator, and a way for us to sell. This sponsorship is ideal for John Hancock from both a business and a marketing perspective," adds Mr. Burgay.

Hancock's record of sports sponsorship achievements prompted MLB Executive Vice President, Tim Brosnan to say, "Any time you sign a partner like John Hancock that knows how to enhance and optimize marketing opportunities which positively impact the bottom line for the company and its business partners, everyone wins."

In addition to a national sponsorship, John Hancock is the title sponsor of John Hancock All-Star FanFest and is the presenting sponsor of the Roberto Clemente Award.

John Hancock All-Star FanFest
John Hancock All-Star FanFest is a baseball exhibition some describe as an interactive "Baseball Heaven on Earth". The five day event leading up to the All-Star Game features baseball-themed attractions and provides baseball fans of all ages the once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the fun and excitement of the Major Leagues.

John Hancock All-Star FanFest consists of over 40 custom attractions from Cooperstown Hall of Fame and Museum exhibits to video batting cages. Also included are appearances from professional baseball players, baseball clinics, free autographs, rare video footage and collectibles, plus on-site production of baseball bats, balls, caps, T-shirts and more.

Roberto Clemente Award
John Hancock is the presenting sponsor of the annual Roberto Clemente Award. The award was first presented in 1971 and is given to the Major League Baseball player who balances outstanding skills on the baseball field with his civic responsibilities. The award is given in honor of Roberto Clemente, the Hall of Fame outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates who died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua.

Past Roberto Clemente award winners have helped individuals and even entire countries with their off-the-field efforts. They include Jamie Moyer (2003), Jim Thome (2002), Curt Schilling (2001), Al Leiter (2000), and Tony Gwynn (1999).