America Online, Inc. and Major League Baseball Advanced Media Team up to Integrate Instant Messaging into the Super-Fan Experience for the First Time Ever

Business Wire, Oct 20, 2004

NEW YORK, & DULLES, Va. -- America Online, Inc.

Tens of Millions of AOL(R) Members, AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) Users
      and Online Baseball Fans Can Now Engage the "MLB" Buddy For
 Up-to-the-Minute Scores, Breaking Headlines, Fantasy Leagues and Live
                                 Polls

In an industry first, America Online, Inc., the world's leading interactive services company, and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball, have teamed up to bring the fun of instant messaging together with America's favorite pastime. Just in time for the World Series, America Online and MLBAM have launched the "MLB" Buddy, an interactive AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) screenname that will enable tens of millions of baseball fans to vote in real-time polling, get up-to-the-minute scores and access World Series highlights via instant message (IM) and mobile instant message.(1)

Effective today, AOL members and AIM users everywhere can add the "MLB" screenname to their Buddy List(R) feature to make post season baseball even more interactive and engaging. Users can go to: http://aimtoday.aol.com/aimbots/ to sample the new Buddy, or simply click on the " -" icon at the base of their Buddy List, select "Buddy List Setup," click "Add Buddy" and then type in MLB. The "MLB" Buddy will let baseball fans choose up to eight categories to get the news, alerts, trivia, statistics and scores they need during the World Series and throughout spring training, the 2005 Major League Baseball season and beyond.

"We are thrilled to put the AOL Instant Messenger service to work for MLB fans everywhere," said Ed Fish, senior vice president and general manager, Desktop Messaging, America Online, Inc. "Our collaboration with Major League Baseball Advanced Media demonstrates how instant messaging not only helps friends and family to communicate, but supports interactive and shared experiences that can bring people together and speed communications across all aspects of life."

"We are very pleased to be making the baseball experience more interactive for our fans," said George Kliavkoff, senior vice president for business development, MLBAM. "Now fans can quickly access the latest schedules, scores and statistics from their computers, mobile phones and PDAs. The new AOL Instant Messenger MLB Buddy is great fun and makes for a more engaging and timely baseball experience."

The "MLB" Buddy categories include:

--Alerts & Live Polls: Fans are able to communicate with the "MLB" Buddy in real-time in conjunction with live baseball events. During games, fans will have the chance to weigh in on topics such as "Play of the Game" and game MVPs. Fans will also receive updates on new functionality as it becomes available.

--Today's Scores: Up-to-the-minute scores are available to fans via instant message. By sending a quick IM to the "MLB" Buddy fans can instantly gain access to final game scores or check the status of games still in progress. In addition, links to each team within the message window let fans go directly to team news and features available on MLB.com.

--Standings: The "MLB" Buddy helps baseball fans easily stay on top of team standings by league and region, including win and loss records for all 30 major league teams.

--Schedules: Whether on their computer or from their mobile phone while on the road, the "MLB" Buddy provides fans with instant access to the day's game schedules and tune-in times.

--Headlines: The latest baseball headlines are available via the "MLB" Buddy year-round, including World Series highlights, off-season player trades and the latest spring training news. The "MLB" Buddy provides baseball fans with links to features and news articles available on MLB.com from within the instant message window.

--Fantasy Games: The "MLB" Buddy provides fans the opportunity to link to SimLeagues on MLB.com where they can manage a roster of baseball players past and present through a 162 game season against 23 other teams. Fans can also link to and play "Perfect Game" baseball trivia on MLB.com.

--MLB Multimedia: Baseball fans have a wide range of multimedia options to help transform their fan experience into a super-fan experience. The "MLB" Buddy introduces fans to an extensive collection of live audio and video, including access to full-game video replays and live audio for every game, which is available via MLB.com and the AOL(R) for Broadband service.

--Team Info: News, stats, team rosters and history, video, ballpark information, a team store and a fan forum message board are available at every fan's fingertips thanks to the "MLB" Buddy.

The "MLB" Buddy is the second component of a partnership that MLBAM has formed with America Online, Inc. Earlier this year, America Online and MLBAM announced an expansion on a content partnership to provide a one-of-a-kind user experience for AOL for Broadband members, which includes access to premium services available on MLB.com, including game by game highlights, Plays of the Week and video of some of the greatest plays, all at no additional charge to AOL members. Over the course of the baseball season, AOL for Broadband members have access to: