Big League Chew shredded gum will debut Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels in June through a partnership with PLB Sports. The major leaguers will replace the cartoon characters that have existed on more than 500 million pouches over the past 33 years.
"This was uncharted territory for us," said Rob Nelson, who along with Jim Bouton, invented the product as an alternative to chewing-tobacco while teammates on an independent baseball team in 1977. "But these guys epitomize what is good about the game of baseball and the time is right."
PLB Sports secured the players' deals and linked up a charity component, as they do with most of the products they sell. Some proceeds from Kemp's deal with go to Kemp's Kids, a charity which provides inner-city youth a chance to play baseball and stay off the streets.
When the player pouches go on sale this summer, they will range from $1 to $1.99, the usual retail price, depending on the outlet.
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