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The Arizona League is a minor league baseball league that operates in and around Phoenix, Arizona. It is a rookie-level professional baseball league run by Major League Baseball since 1989. Games are played at the minor-league complexes of the team's parent organizations from mid-June until the end of August.
No official attendance records are kept as there is no paid admittance fee, but few spectators show up for games. The league is designed to be played in front of small crowds, often in temperatures above 100°F, but this does not affect either quality or competition. Teams primarily consist of players from the Dominican Republic and drafted high school and college players. The league is also where major league players go for their first rehab assignments.
A one-game playoff featuring the winners from the first half of the season (day games, starting in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat) and the second half of the season (night games) occurs the last day of August, unless the same team wins both halves. This happened most recently in 2005, when the Scottsdale Giants won both halves of the season and therefore the pennant.
There are currently plans to eliminate the league in a reorganization of minor league baseball. However, it has been confirmed that the league will return for the 2006 season.
Bob Richmond is the league president. The league offices are in Boise, Idaho.
Current member teams:
- Mesa Cubs
- Peoria Mariners
- Peoria Padres
- Phoenix Athletics
- Phoenix Brewers
- Scottsdale Giants
- Surprise Rangers
- Surprise Royals
- Tempe Angels
External links
"Arizona League"