SPALDING SIGNS SOFTBALL ACE, OLYMPIAN JENNIE FINCH
DUDLEY TO INTRODUCE A BRANDED LINE OF JENNIE FINCH SOFTBALLS

SPRINGFIELD, MA (May 13, 2008) — Spalding has announced the signing of Jennie Finch, one of the best players in the history of women's fast pitch softball, to endorse its Dudley brand. The two-time Honda National Collegiate Player of the Year (2001 & 2002), who led the University of Arizona to the National Championship in 2001 and holds an NCAA record with 60 consecutive wins, will participate in the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Jennie is a role model both on and off the field and a great addition to the Spalding team," stated Dave Coradini, Spalding's Director of Diamond Sports. "She will bring increased visibility to Dudley's unparalleled history in softball. Her softball prowess emulates the Dudley brand's attributes of quality and performance."

With Finch in its lineup, Spalding/Dudley will be introducing a branded line of Jennie Finch softballs as part of its 2009 product line. Finch will also be involved in product development across the Fast Pitch line of products going forward and a focal point in the re-launch of dudleysports.com website this summer.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be associated with Spalding, a respected company known around the world, and one who takes so much pride in the quality of its products," stated Finch. "I look forward to developing a line with Dudley that will encourage young girls to become part of the game."

Additionally, Dudley will be a sponsor and official ball of the Jennie Finch softball camps.

Finch, a member of the 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist with Team USA, was the first female to ever host 'This Week in Baseball'. In early 2008 she appeared on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice and is currently on Team USA's 4 month Bound for Beijing Tour playing against the top colleges around the country.

About Spalding
A Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of two business units; Spalding in Springfield, MA and American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA. The two companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. In addition to being the leading producer and marketer of basketballs, footballs, volleyballs and soccer balls, Springfield, MA-based Spalding produces softballs under the Dudley brand. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.