Tobacco Prevention Groups Join Forces to Sponsor Double-A Baseball 'Tobacco-Free Classic' All-Star Game

Washington, DC — On July 12, the first ever Double-A Baseball Tobacco-Free Classic All-Star Game, sponsored by the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS, Oral Health America and the Office to End Smoking in Maryland, will highlight Minor League Baseball‘s commitment to preventing tobacco use.

'Baseball players, managers and coaches are role models for our children. By eliminating the use of tobacco by players, managers and coaches, Double-A Baseball is sending an important message to its fans about the dangers of tobacco and setting a positive example for the youth of America,' said Matthew Myers, president of the CAMPAIGN. 'We are thrilled to sponsor the Tobacco-Free Classic.'

The Bowie Baysox baseball club is hosting the Tobacco-Free Classic at 7:05 pm, July 12, at Prince George's Stadium. Gates will open at 4 pm for a 'Fan Extravaganza' that will include the CAMPAIGN's booth featuring a breath analyzer that measures the level of carbon monoxide exposure to the lungs. Other festivities will include an autograph session, demonstrations by glove and bat suppliers, and museum exhibits on Babe Ruth, Cal Ripkin and the Negro Baseball League.

'This game, featuring star Minor League ball players, represents the future of baseball. Our joint tobacco prevention sponsorship represents a healthier future for all Americans. It's time to protect our children from the devastating effects of all tobacco products,' said Dr. Martin Wasserman, Director of the Office to End Smoking in Maryland and formerly Secretary of the Maryland State Health Department.

The Office to End Smoking in Maryland, established at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health last year by Governor Parris Glendening, works with the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to coordinate the development of tobacco control policies and cancer reduction programs. The Office also works to ensure funds from the Master Settlement Agreement between the states and the tobacco companies are used for tobacco prevention programs.

The CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS is the largest non-governmental initiative ever undertaken to reduce youth tobacco use in the United States.

Oral Health America develops resources for the improvement and promotion of oral health by motivating the American people to seek dental care, educating the public about the dangers of spit tobacco and supporting dental education and research.

Note: Matthew Myers of the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS and Dr. Martin Wasserman of the Office to End Smoking in Maryland are available for interviews.