1 Exhibit 8 [ALSTON & BIRD LLP LETTERHEAD] STEPHEN A. OPLER DIRECT DIAL: 404-881-7693 October 29, 1999 VIA: FACSIMILE Richard L. Easton, Esquire Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP 919 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022 RE: RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS...

   1
                                                                       Exhibit 8


                         [XXXXXX & BIRD LLP LETTERHEAD]

XXXXXXX X. XXXXX                                       DIRECT DIAL: 000-000-0000

                                October 29, 1999

VIA: FACSIMILE

Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, Esquire
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Xxxxxxx & Xxxx LLP
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX  00000

         RE:      RAWLINGS SPORTING GOODS COMPANY, INC. ("RAWLINGS")

Dear Rich:

         This letter is written to confirm our agreement today regarding the 15
day period of exclusivity. As we agreed, the 15 day period of exclusivity,
pursuant to the Exclusivity Agreement entered into by Rawlings and Bull Run
Corporation, will begin on Saturday, October 30, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. (EST) and
will continue until Sunday, November 14, 1999 at 5:00 p.m. (EST).


                                           Sincerely,


                                           /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx


SAO:sjc
cc:  Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx, Xx.
     Xx. Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx