Tampa Bay Shortstop Jason Bartlett Steals Millions of Free Tacos

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2008

Taco Bell([R])'s "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" World Series([R]) Offer Sealed in 5(th) Inning During Game 1 of 2008 World Series([R])

IRVINE, Calif. -- Hey America, are you ready for some free tacos? Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett stole free tacos for America from Taco Bell[R], as he stole second base in the bottom of the 5th inning of Game 1 at the World Series. As promised, Americans will feast on millions of free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Tacos as Taco Bell's "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" World Series promotion paid off for the second straight year.

Fans can visit any participating Taco Bell location on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (local time) and claim their free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco.

"You know we had Jason pegged as the guy who might steal millions of tacos for America," said David Ovens, chief marketing officer, Taco Bell Corp. "This is one stolen base that goes into the record books more than just a stat, but as a steal that fed the country."

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jason Bartlett joins Boston Red Sox centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury as the only two players in World Series history to have stolen millions of tacos for America. Ellsbury's steal of second base during Game 2 last year won millions of Americans free tacos. So while there are fans of pitching duels and the long ball, it seems the stolen base has now captured the hearts of millions during the World Series.

Taco Bell has a long history of "Think Outside the Bun[R]" promotions with Major League Baseball. In addition to last year's successful "Steal A Base, Steal A Taco" World Series promotion, the company has also placed its famous "Free Taco" target at multiple World Series games. Taco Bell is currently in its fifth year as an Official Sponsor of Major League Baseball.

No Purchase Necessary. Subject to Terms and Conditions available in-store and online at www.StealaBaseStealaTaco.com. Taco Bell[R] will offer every person in the U.S. the opportunity to obtain one (1) free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco (Approximate Retail Value 91, prices may vary) at participating Taco Bell[R] restaurants in the United States on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 ("Redemption Date") only. To obtain the Free Taco, consumers must visit any participating Taco Bell[R] restaurant in one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (local time) on the Redemption Date only and request a Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco. Limit one (1) Free Crunchy Seasoned Beef Taco per person. Void where prohibited. Offer valid at participating Taco Bell[R] locations. Portions [c]2008 Taco Bell Corp.

About Taco Bell Corp.

Taco Bell Corp. ("Taco Bell"), based in Irvine, California, is the nation's leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain. Taco Bell serves tacos, burritos, signature quesadillas, Grilled Stuft Burritos, nachos, and other specialty items such as Crunchwrap Supreme[R], in addition to the 79-89-99 Why Pay More[TM] Value Menu. Taco Bell serves more than 36.8 million consumers each week in nearly 5,600 restaurants in the U.S.

About Major League Baseball Properties

The Major League Baseball Clubs formed Major League Baseball Properties (MLBP) in 1966 as the Club's agent for marketing and trademark licensing and protection. Major League Baseball Properties is responsible for managing consumer licensing activities, developing national advertising campaigns, cultivating sponsorship opportunities with major consumer brands and corporations, growing the game and the business of baseball outside the United States and creating national marketing programs in conjunction with Clubs, broadcast rights holders and national sponsors. MLBP also operates a full-service video and audio production unit (Major League Baseball Productions), a publishing division and stock photo licensing agency, and manages logistics for the All-Star Game and World Series as well as all other special events. For more information on Major League Baseball, log on to www.MLB.com.

About Major League Baseball Players Association

The Major League Baseball Players Association (www.MLBPLAYERS.com) is the collective bargaining representative for all professional baseball players of the thirty Major League Baseball teams and serves as the exclusive group licensing agent for commercial and licensing activities involving active Major League baseball players. On behalf of its members, it operates the Players Choice licensing program and Players Choice Awards, which benefit the needy through the Major League Baseball Players Trust, a charitable foundation established and run entirely by Major League baseball players.