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Minor leagues are professional sports leagues which are not regarded as the premier leagues in those sports. Minor league teams tend to play in smaller, less elaborate venues, often competing in smaller cities. This term is used in North America with regard to several organizations competing in various sports. They generally have lesser fan bases and smaller budgets.
The minor league concept is a manifestation of the franchise system used in North American sports, whereby the group of major league teams in each sport is fixed for long periods between expansions or other adjustments, which only take place with the consent of the major league owners. In other parts of the world there is usually either a system of annual promotion and relegation, meaning that clubs have no fixed status in the hierarchy, or there is only one professional league per country in each sport, rendering the major/minor distinction irrelevant.
The most famous minor league organization is in baseball. Minor league baseball is almost as old as the professional game itself, and at first consisted of attempts to play baseball in smaller cities and towns independent of the National League, the first true major baseball league. Soon, scouts for the National League were travelling to watch minor league teams play and attempting to sign the more talented ones away. Some sports historians cite the connection between the other major league, the American League and its minor league forebear, the Western Association. Soon Major League Baseball began formal developmental agreements with some minor league teams, while others remained independent. The most prominent independent minor baseball league today is probably the Northern League.
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Dodgers can't find a way to win against Nationals
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Their overall losing streak reaches six, as Matt Kemp puts the blame on himself as the leadoff hitter. Washington, which has the league's worst record, has a chance to sweep the Dodgers on Thursday. WASHINGTON -- The Dodgers are playing so poorly at such a critical juncture that it was just a matter of time until the finger-pointing commenced.
Angels come up short
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
They can't come back from a 6-0 deficit as Joe Saunders has a poor start. A 6-5 loss to the Oakland Athletics, in which they nearly came back from an early six-run deficit, was the least of the Angels' concerns Wednesday night.
Jose Lima should inspire the Dodgers
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:44:00 -0700
Pitcher with their only postseason victory in 20 years deserves a statue. They have these marble statues of saints in the Vatican, and the folks who visit like to kiss their feet.
ESPN.com - MLB
Crasnick: Starting 9
Jerry Crasnick Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:30:25 -0700
Jimmy Rollins and Randy Johnson are among nine players who have put together impressive numbers in the final month of the season.
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Associated Press Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:57:31 -0700
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
Ludwick, Cards rally from 3-0 hole to nip Brewers
Associated Press Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:26:01 -0700
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.
SI.com - MLB
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Read full story for latest details.
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Read full story for latest details.
Boras: Alvarez's contract with Pirates isn't valid
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Major League Baseball News
Technology worthy for instant replay
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Technology worthy for instant replay
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Marty Noble Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:50:00 -0400
Mets rally to regain lead in NL East
Sox loving Byrd's-eye view of the Bay
Ian Browne Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:28:00 -0400
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Matthew Leach Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:33:00 -0400
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Brittany Ghiroli Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:16:00 -0400
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Indians win 10th straight; sweep Tigers
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Indians win 10th straight; sweep Tigers
Deep South Class D Baseball - Information about the Class D Alabama-Florida League, which existed from 1936-1962. Year-by-year history, unofficial hall of fame, player profiles, photos and old newspaper articles.
For The Love Of The Game - A history of the Newton Conover Twins minor league team from 1939-1962.
Kitty League Baseball - The history of the Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee (Kitty) League, a Class D minor league that operated in the states of Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee from 1903 until 1955.
Oakland Oaks - Player profiles, photos, and stories of the Pacific Coast League champion Oakland Oaks of the 1940s and '50s.
Pennisula Pro Baseball Hall of Fame - Members are from professional baseball teams which played in the Hampton/Newport News, Virginia area from 1894-1992. Includes historical information and updated major and minor league scores.
San Francisco Seals - Played in the Pacific Coast League from 1903 through 1957.
Sulphur Dell and Nashville Baseball - Photos, timeline and commentary on league and teams of ball field in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Sacramento Solons of the 1940s and 1950s - Online museum of baseball cards and collectibles of the Sacramento Solons.
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Three-I League Organizational Records, 1937-1962 - History of the league, roster of presidents and information on records held at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
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Three-I League, 1901-1961 - Site dedicated to the storied Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League, 1901 to 1961. This talent-laden Class B minor league produced dozens of baseball greats. Also known as the Three-I or Three Eye.
Union City Greyhounds/Dodgers Baseball - The Union City Grehounds played in the defunct Kitty League from 1935-55.
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