Public and Private Partnership 2

The RainMaker Representation Group is comprised of business centric lawyers known for working through complex, multi-tier negotiations. Mergers and aquisitions.

While attending law school, Ira interned for Ronald M. Shapiro and Shapiro, Robinson and Associates, a sports representation firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Upon graduation and passing the bar in 1992, Ira was hired at the age of 25 as General Counsel of The Tufton Group, Cal Ripken’s exclusive marketing firm. At the age of 28, Ira became President of The Tufton Group where his responsibilities included business development, marketing, endorsements, licensing, as well as all contractual and legal matters.

On September 6, 1995, when Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played record, he received a $75,000 grant from the Major League Baseball Players Association in honor of his streak. The grant was designated by the MLBPA to build a field in his hometown. However, Cal’s vision was not just one field but an entire youth baseball complex. The result was the $38 million Aberdeen Complex, highlighted by a 6,500-seat minor league baseball stadium. We were able to secure $14 million in state and local government grants, bond issues, as well as federal money for non-profit purposes. From there, the goal was to raise over $20 million through private funding and corporate sponsorships. Some other highlights during this time period include:

•           We pioneered and created the concept of “milestone marketing,” taking advantage of Cal’s many career achievements through merchandise sales and licensing deals.

•           The acquisition of a minor league baseball team in the New York Penn League.

•           Babe Ruth League, Inc. changed the name of its 5-to-12-year-old division; what had been called the Bambino Division became the Cal Ripken Division.

•           Negotiated a television contract with Fox Sports for the Cal Ripken World Series.

•           Created a joint partnership with Major League Baseball and the MLBPA to create a licensing program commemorating Cal’s retirement.