``This is a terrific opportunity for millions of kids across the U.S. to participate in one America's favorite pastimes,'' said Warren Kornblum, Executive Vice President Worldwide Marketing and Brand Management. ``Our partnership with Major League Baseball enables us to provide kids with an opportunity to compete in a fun baseball event sponsored by their local Toys ''R`` Us store. Major League Baseball's Diamond Skills is the ideal way for kids to improve their game, and Toys ''R`` Us is pleased to offer new components to the program this year that make it even more exciting for kids and their families.''

``We are delighted to have Toys ''R`` Us as title sponsor of Major League Baseball's Diamond Skills Competition,'' said Kathy Francis, Vice President, marketing for Major League Baseball. ``Toys ''R`` Us ' partnership with Diamond Skills reflects a natural synergy. The program, which now has a half million boys and girls participating nationwide, is part of Major League Baseball's ongoing initiative to reach out to kids who are the future of the game.''

Diamond Skills, which is now in its fourth year, allows boys and girls, ages 7-14, to showcase their abilities in three fundamental skills: batting, fielding/throwing and base-running. Participants advance through four levels of competition to the nationwide finals during Major League Baseball's All- Star week in Atlanta, GA, July 8-11, 2000.

Toys ``R'' Us will be implementing several new components to the traditional program:

• Starting in April, Diamond Skills participants purchasing $15 or more at Toys "R" Us will receive a free Major League Baseball licensed Fotoball (while supplies last).
• The Toys "R" Us MLB Diamond Skills Rookie Division is an expansion of the program this year to include competition by five- and six-year-olds at local Toys "R" Us stores. These Rookie Division competitions, done as an exhibition, will visit 100 stores during the months of June and July.
• In July, Toys "R" Us will launch a national sweepstakes promotion which will include a chance for one child to win a trip to a 2000 World Series game and throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

All Toys ``R'' Us stores in the U.S. will function as the official Information Center for Diamond Skills. The stores will also provide free checklists for parents to help their children get better prepared for the game -- making it easy for the whole family to get involved.

The Toys ``R'' Us Diamond Skills competition is intended to encourage youth participation and emphasize the fun elements of baseball. Since there is no registration fee, every child has the opportunity to participate.

Trials begin in April, and parents can get the most up-to-date information at selected Toys ``R'' Us stores, or log on to www.majorleaguebaseball.com or www.toysrus.com for more details.

[Update 4/06/2000]