Although Major League Baseball consists of just one league, minor league baseball includes several leagues at different levels. While minor league baseball shares some similarities with major league baseball, many differences exist in the structure of the minors as well.
Classifications
Minor league baseball differs from the Major Leagues in that it includes several classifications. These classifications form a hierarchy that places similarly talented players in the same classification. The classifications, ranked from most skilled to least, are: AAA, AA, Class A-Advanced or High A, Class A or Low A, Class A-Short Season and Rookie. This system was adopted in 1963.
Leagues
Each classification in minor league baseball consists of multiple leagues, or groups of teams. Teams only compete against other teams in their own leagues. As of 2010, there are three AAA leagues, three AA leagues, three Class A-Advanced leagues, two Class A leagues, two Class A Short Season leagues, and six Rookie leagues.
Founding of Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball grew out of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, which was founded in 1901. The next year, the association began play with 96 teams divided between 14 leagues.
Origin of the Farm System
The farm system is a term that refers to the practice of major league teams developing players through minor league clubs. The farm system began in 1921, when the NAPBL signed an agreement allowing MLB teams to own minor league teams. Branch Rickey of the St. Louis Cardinals is credited with first using this arrangement to produce a farm system.
Salary Information
Minor league baseball players earn far less than most major league players. According to the official website of Minor League Baseball, players earn up to $1,100 per month in their first contract season, but after that, salary is open to negotiation. Players also receive $25 for meals while traveling.
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