MiLB announces top merchandising teams

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball announced today its list of Top 25 teams in licensed merchandise sales for 2013, with the combined totals of all 160 teams topping more than $55.4 million in retail sales. The total is the second highest sales figure for the licensing program since its inception in 1992 and a 2.6% rise from the previous year. The total licensed merchandise sales, which only trail those from 1994, were calculated for January 1 - December 31, 2013, and are based on the 160 teams in the domestic-based leagues that charge admission to their games.

Alphabetically, the list includes: the Albuquerque Isotopes, Carolina Mudcats, Columbus Clippers, Corpus Christi Hooks, Durham Bulls, Fort Wayne TinCaps, Hillsboro Hops, Indianapolis Indians, Lake Elsinore Storm, Lakewood BlueClaws, Lansing Lugnuts, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Midland RockHounds, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Pensacola Blue Wahoos, Portland Sea Dogs, Reading Fightin Phils, Reno Aces, Richmond Flying Squirrels, Round Rock Express, Sacramento River Cats, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Toledo Mud Hens, Trenton Thunder and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

"The Top 25 list reflects the popularity of Minor League Baseball team names and logos not only among all baseball fans, but with casual observers and celebrities as well," said Sandie Hebert, Director of Licensing for Minor League Baseball. "The popularity of our logos is due in part to the fact that our marks are fresh, inventive and most of all, fun. Each team has its own unique identity."

Online sales have also played a significant role in the steady growth of merchandise sales, increasing a staggering 27% from the previous year. According to data compiled by Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO), online sales saw a 28% growth through the end of April as compared to the same time period in the previous year.

"With fans now having the ability to shop for merchandise in both team stores and online, we continue to expand Minor League Baseball's reach through branding efforts," added Hebert. "Minor League Baseball merchandise bridges the gap between on-field authenticity and fashion."

The MiLB online store platform currently hosts 143 live sites which includes both team and league sites and will soon adopt a responsive web design (RWD) approach to capitalize on consumers making online purchases on a variety of mobile devices. Of the Top 25 teams, 24 have online stores using the MiLB platform. Visit www.MiLBStore.com to find merchandise from the Top 25 list of teams, and other MiLB teams.