Independent baseball, or ‘indy ball’, is a type of professional baseball which is not affiliated with any Major League Baseball (MLB) team. It is a popular alternative for players who have not been drafted by an MLB team, or for those who have been released from the minor league system. While the rules and regulations of independent baseball differ from those of affiliated leagues, the overall structure is similar. In this article, we take a look at the different levels of independent baseball, from the highest to the lowest.
The Highest Level: Major League-Affiliated Leagues
The highest level of independent baseball is the Major League-affiliated leagues, which include the major and minor leagues. These leagues are all affiliated with MLB teams and have an extensive network of minor league affiliates. This includes the Triple-A, Double-A, High-A, and Low-A levels. These leagues provide the highest level of competition and the most opportunities for players to make it to the major leagues.
The Next Level: Professional Independent Leagues
The next level of independent baseball is the professional independent leagues. These leagues are not affiliated with any MLB team, but they are still considered professional leagues. Examples of these leagues include the Atlantic League, the American Association, and the Frontier League. These leagues are typically made up of former minor leaguers and college players who are trying to make it to the major leagues. The level of competition in these leagues is slightly lower than in the Major League-affiliated leagues, but the overall quality of play is still quite high.
The Next Level: Semi-Pro Independent Leagues
The next level of independent baseball is the semi-pro independent leagues. These leagues are similar to the professional independent leagues in that they are not affiliated with any MLB teams, but the level of competition is typically lower. Examples of these leagues include the Pacific Association, the Empire League, and the United Shore Professional Baseball League. These leagues are made up of former college players and independent players who are looking for a chance to play at the professional level.
The Lowest Level: Amateur Independent Leagues
The lowest level of independent baseball is the amateur independent leagues. These leagues are typically made up of local players who are not affiliated with any professional or semi-professional teams. These leagues provide a great opportunity for players to hone their skills and gain experience before attempting to move up to the professional level. Examples of these leagues include the American Amateur Baseball Congress, the National Amateur Baseball Association, and the National Baseball Congress.
Conclusion
Independent baseball is a great alternative for players who have not been drafted by an MLB team or released from the minor league system. It provides players with an opportunity to continue to develop their skills and gain experience in a competitive atmosphere. There are several levels of independent baseball, ranging from Major League-affiliated leagues to amateur independent leagues. Each level provides its own unique challenges and opportunities for players to make it to the major leagues.