Baseball is as American as Pepsi-Cola, Burger King and Chevrolet. At least that’s what some official corporate sponsors of Major League Baseball want you to believe.

Any NASCAR fans out there? When you see Jeff Gordon, it’s hard not to associate him with DuPont. Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch are intrinsically linked to Lowe’s and M&Ms respectively.

Then you can put the likes of Michael Jordan in a league of his own.

Welcome to the wide world of sports marketing. You don’t have to think big leagues and big budgets. Sponsoring a sports team is a great way to support your community.

Spring marks the season for another round of local sports kicking into high gear. Surely you or one of your employees have a kid or two that plays on a local baseball, basketball, volleyball or other sports team. Sponsor team jerseys or the scoreboard at a local ball field. What a great endeavor to have your company linked to a wholesome activity. The amount you spend—depending on your business—should come back to you in customer loyalty.

If you are looking for a little more publicity—and more eyeballs on your logo—look towards some minor league sports or junior sports. Baseball and hockey teams often have intermission activities to sponsor where you can provide specialty advertising items. Or put your name on a billboard and get your name in lights. Often your sponsorship comes with perks so you can take clients or employees to games as an added benefit.

Sponsorships have become an effective way to get your name out in the community. Make sure you’re evaluating the opportunities to get a return on your investment—even if it’s just watching a kid in your jersey hitting his first fast-pitch.