New Pro Baseball League Announced
Published on June 17, 2013 under Diamond League (Diamond) News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 17, 2013) - The formation of a new professional baseball league to be known as "THE DIAMOND LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL," was announced today following a league meeting held this morning.
The announcement was made by Frank Boulton, the League's Chief Executive Officer and by Michael Pfaff, Diamond League Executive Director. Boulton is also CEO and founder of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. Pfaff is currently President and General Manager of the successful Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League.
According to Boulton and Pfaff the Diamond League is being formed to create a platform for the developing professional baseball player. The Rule 4 draft or otherwise known as the "amateur draft" has shrunk from unlimited, to fifty rounds, to its current forty round format. Many college players, first, second and third year professional players are finding themselves undrafted or released with few options to further their baseball careers. The Diamond League will focus on the development of these talented athletes. Mike Piazza (drafted in the 62nd round) and Keith Hernandez (drafted in the 42nd round of the Rule 4 draft) are just a couple of examples of players that would not have been drafted if current limits were in place at the time of their drafts.
The Diamond League has announced that an advisory board has also been created consisting of professional baseball owners, executives, former major league players and current college coaches. The members of the advisory board include Joe Klein, former general manager of the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers; Bud Harrelson, former major league player and manager; Peter Kirk, president of the Atlantic League and minor league team owner; Kevin Baez, former MLB player and current Atlantic League manager; Tony Rosenthal, long-time minor league owner; Ellie Rodriguez, former MLB player; Joe Godri, current coach of the Villanova University Wildcats; and Tal Smith, former president of the Houston Astros.
Some specifics about THE DIAMOND LEAGUE:
Roster Limits and Player Eligibility:
Rosters will be comprised of a minimum of 22 players and a maximum of 24 players. Players must be 21 years of age and no player may be 26 prior to January 1 of the current season. No player with five or more years of professional service will be eligible to play in the Diamond League.
Regular Season:
2014-60 games for six team league
2015-84 games for eight team league
League Executives:
Frank Boulton-CEO/Chairman
Michael Pfaff-Executive Director/COO
Seth Waugh-Senior Vice President
League Office:
Diamond League of Professional Baseball Clubs, LLC
Bethpage Ballpark
3 Court House Drive
Central Islip NY 11722
631-940-3825
Website: DIAMONDPROBASEBALL.COM
Twitter: @DiamondProBB
The Diamond League of Professional Baseball Clubs, LLC is a six to eight-team professional baseball league that will be owned and operated by experienced professional baseball team owners and executives to create a platform for the developing professional baseball player.
Diamond League Stories from June 17, 2013
- New Pro Baseball League Announced - Diamond
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
