NY Yankees Star, Johnny Damon Thrusts Video Gaming Into the Limelight

For the second time in a month, online video gaming has taken a huge step toward establishing itself as a major force in American culture. After topping Hollywood's box office receipts last year, the video game revolution shows no signs of leveling off. December 2006 was an eventful month for gaming, with Johnny Damon's announcement of the PBGL, coming hot on the heels of Major League Gaming's news of $1.75 million in exclusive contracts being awarded to the top 7 video gamers in the league.

The PBGL offers baseball fans an unprecedented opportunity to get online with some of their favorite pro ball players, and compete with them in the Leagues chosen arena of battle: Microsoft's Project Gotham Racing® 3 for Xbox 360. This accessability of celebrity sports stars to fans, is a move that will only benefit both Pro Baseball and the online gaming movement, as well.

Damon, who will reign as Commissioner of the newly formed league, had this to say: “GGL is bringing together two of my biggest passions: baseball and video games, in a way that neither baseball fans nor video gamers have seen before. Both baseball and video games play a huge role in today’s culture in the US and around the world, and the PBGL is doing a great job of bringing these two communities together.”

Not only is online gaming and pro ball getting a shot in the arm from this alliance, but Commissioner Damon is taking advantage of the media attention to throw a spotlight on one of his favorite causes, the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization dedicated to helping the more than 18,000 US servicemen, wounded in recent conflicts.

For registration information for the PBGL, or tournament schedules, contact Greg Wolfe at Video Game Locker.