American Association of Independent Professional Baseball

"This article refers to the modern American Association that started in 2006. For the major league, which existed from 1882 to 1891, see American Association (19th century). For the minor league, which existed from 1902 to 1962 and 1969 to 1997, see American Association (20th century).

Infobox sports league
title = American Association

pixels = 200px
caption = American Association logo
sport = Baseball
founded = 2005
motto =
teams = 10
country = USA
champion = Sioux Falls Canaries
folded =
website = [http://www.americanassociationbaseball.com Official Site]

The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the midwestern and the southeastern United States. The American Association operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball and is not affiliated with either organization.

The American Association exists so that professional baseball players who are not signed by a Major or Minor League organization could have another chance at playing at a higher level. Although the level of American Association play can be categorized as between A and AA, players in independent baseball are usually not scouted heavily by Major League teams. Many Major League alumni have called American Association teams home in an effort get back to the Majors. The league also caters to players who are not quite talented enough to play at a higher level.

The American Association was founded in October 2005 by four former Northern League teams; these teams were joined by five teams from the Central Baseball League and by an expansion team in St. Joseph, Missouri. The league began play in 2006, with a 96-game schedule. The Fort Worth Cats defeated the St. Paul Saints three games to two to win the first league championship.

The league's first All-Star game was played in El Paso, Texas (against the Can-Am League) on July 18, 2006. The American Association won 5-3.

Miles Wolff is the commissioner of the American Association.

Current franchises

League Champions

2006- Fort Worth Cats

2007- Fort Worth Cats

2008- Sioux Falls Canaries

2008 All-Star Game

The St. Paul Saints have been awarded the 2008 American Association All-Star Game. It will take place at their home field, Midway Stadium on July 22,2008, and it will pit the AA North vs. the AA South.

Former Teams

* Coastal Bend Aviators-- one of two teams which folded after the 2007 season
* St. Joe Blacksnakes-- one of two teams which folded after the 2007 season

External links

* [http://www.americanassociationbaseball.com/ American Association of Independent Professional Baseball]
* [http://www.aabfan.com aabfan.com - American Association Baseball Fan's Guide]
* [http://www.scottdecker.com/sports scottdecker.com - American Association news and links]