Minor League Baseball serves as a stepping stone for players to the major leagues. Each minor league team is affiliated with a major league team. Successful minor league players advance to the major leagues to fill in for injured players or to begin a major league career. Major league players can return to minor league play at any time throughout the season. Reasons for returning to the minor leagues may include rehabilitation for an injury or to gain more experience.
History
Minor League Baseball began in 1901. Initially called the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, seven minor league executives established the rules for minor league play. The minor leagues also began night baseball games, an idea that quickly spread to the major leagues. After World War II, minor league teams spread throughout the country.
Minor League Structure
The structure of the minor leagues includes Rookie, Class A, Class AA and Class AAA teams, with AAA players just one step from the major leagues. As players become more proficient, they are promoted to the higher leagues. Rookie League teams serve younger players, often recent high school graduates, who need the most skill development. Class A leagues serve players with slightly more experience; some leagues play a full season and some are short-season leagues. Players who show improvement advance to Class AA, where all teams play a full season. Class AAA is the highest level of minor league play.
Financial Aspects
The value of a minor league team varies from $3 million to $25 million, based on several factors, including the level of play and location. While some major league players earn millions of dollars per season, salaries of minor league players start at a maximum of $1,100 a month during the first contract season. Contracts during additional years are negotiated individually.
Popularity Growth
According to MILB.com, attendance at minor league baseball games continues to grow. Low-cost tickets attract fans who want an opportunity to watch potential future major league players. In 2008, the Green Team initiative led to minor league stadiums incorporating more eco-friendly and cost-effective measures. Other items used to attract fans includes the sales of licensed merchandise at games. Minor league teams also report a continued growth in corporate sponsorships.
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