Take Me Out to the Chess Match: Mike Matheny Partners with Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis

ST. LOUIS, March 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL) announced today its partnership with St. Louis Cardinals' Manager and avid chess player Mike Matheny. Over the next year, Matheny will serve as an ambassador for the chess club – appearing in advertisements and promotional materials for the CCSCSL and its scholastic programs, as well as participating in a variety of chess events.

"We're pleased to partner with someone who shares the mission of the CCSCSL – to elevate the game of chess and, through it, the St. Louis community," said Rex Sinquefield, founder of the CCSCSL and the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation. "Mike is not only a fan of chess, he also shares our dedication to education and the youth of St. Louis."

Matheny and his wife, Kristin, founded the Catch 22 Foundation in 2003, dedicated to improving the lives of children in St. Louis. The foundation has helped build handicap-accessible baseball fields, raised funds for hospitals around St. Louis and made a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children for over 10 years. His recently released book, The Matheny Manifesto, details the lessons on success and life he has learned as the coach of a local little league baseball team.

"Through my life, I've seen the positive impact that sports have on kids, both in their character and their community," Matheny said. "I see those same benefits from the game of chess, and I see them proudly on display at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis.  I look forward to this relationship, truly a win-win for everyone who gets involved."

The first TV spot featuring Matheny and the CCSCSL is scheduled to air in early April, ahead of the 2015 U.S. Chess Championships, which will take place at the chess club in the Central West End, from March 31 through April 14.

After a successful playing career which included three Gold Glove Awards and four postseason appearances with the Cardinals, Matheny returned to the team in 2012 as a rookie manager and led the club to the postseason in each of his first three seasons.

To view the first spot, visit https://vimeo.com/122573235. For additional information visit saintlouischessclub.org, and follow the Chess Club on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.

Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Chess Club and Scholastic Center is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. Please visit www.saintlouischessclub.org for more information.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150320/183542

SOURCE Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL)

Related Links

http://www.saintlouischessclub.org