Looking to score a hit with domestic fans at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the China Baseball Association is turning to the US major leagues for an RBI: Really Big Involvement.

The CBA yesterday inked a landmark deal with Major League Baseball (MLB)to develop the sport in China.

The agreement, which runs for a minimum of two years, is expected not only to serve the CBA's aim of being competitive at the Olympics, but also to open the door for the majors to explore the large potential baseball market in the world's most populous nation.

With the agreement, MLB will implement a variety of game development and youth initiatives in China, including training coaches and umpires and working with the national team.

The agreement also enables major league clubs to scout and sign Chinese players to professional contracts.

Chinese officials called the agreement "historic" and said it will help baseball mirror the success of soccer and basketball, both of which gained explosive popularity in China over the past decade.

"I believe the agreement will have a great impact on the sport in China as it will lead baseball here to new heights," said CBA director Hu Jianguo.

Eight to ten coaches will be envoyed by MLB to travel China one month each year to work directly with coaches and players of Chinese clubs, and MLB will invite Chinese coaches to participate in overseas instructional league programmes each season, according to the agreement.

"We have a mission to grow baseball outside the United States," said Jim Small, deputy director of MLB International.

The agreement also means MLB is ready to include China in its international marketing plans. "This is a major step forward in the continued global development of Major League Baseball," said MLB Commissioner Bud Selig.

With the Beijing Olympics less than five years away, China would like to see an immediate result from the agreement, but MLB has a long-term vision.

"We're focused on the 2008 Olympic Games, but we also want baseball to grow generation to generation," said Small.

"We will do everything we can toward 2008 and make sure the team steps on the field at the 2008 Games as good as it can be.

"But we also want to create a new generation of baseball and people who appreciate the quality of the game. The ultimate goal is to make (Chinese people) think of baseball as a Chinese sport," he said.

China has invited former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Jim Lefebvre to manage its national team, and has also recruited veteran pitching coach Bruce Hurst.

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