Marketing Through Athlete Blogs?

There was an interesting article today in Sports Business Daily (2.26.08) about Yankees P Phil Hughes. Alongside Curt Schilling, Hughes is leading the charge of MLB players who have chosen to launch their own personal websites. While some use their websites as information portals, Hughes has taken his efforts to the next level.

Who is Phil Hughes anyway? Well, that is a question that we might like to ask the 340,000 people who have visited his site in the past month. Clearly, with the advances in digital technology today, fans are looking for every avenue to know more... More about their favorite teams, players, history...everything.

Phil Hughes has taken an innovative approach to engaging fans through his website. He recently held a contest offering fans a game-used autographed ALDS game ball if they could get his favorite quote from NBC's "The Office". He also posts blog entries, hosts chats, provides insights on his favorite songs, and even shares pictures from his personal life.

However, with his personal blog there becomes risk for the organization, his self-image, and Major League Baseball. Keeping all things in check, Hughes' website provides fans all-access and serves as a great outlet of publicity for the organization and himself.

If your organization is looking to enhance or create player blogs for your team website, it might be a good idea to first look for a few best practices in the industry.