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).
| American Association | |
|---|---|
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| Sport | Baseball |
| Founded | 2005 |
| No. of teams | 10 |
| Country(ies) |  United States |
| Most recent champion(s) | Fort Worth Cats |
| Official website | 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.
Contents |
American Association of Independent Professional Baseball
| North | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | City | Stadium | Capacity |
| Lincoln Saltdogs | Lincoln, Nebraska | Haymarket Park | 4,500 |
| Sioux City Explorers | Sioux City, Iowa | Lewis and Clark Park | 3,631 |
| Sioux Falls Canaries | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Sioux Falls Stadium | 4,500 |
| St. Paul Saints | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Midway Stadium | 6,069 |
| Wichita Wingnuts | Wichita, Kansas | Lawrence-Dumont Stadium | 6,400 |
| South | |||
| Team | City | Stadium | Capacity |
| El Paso Diablos | El Paso, Texas | Cohen Stadium | 9,725 |
| Fort Worth Cats | Fort Worth, Texas | LaGrave Field | 4,100 |
| Grand Prairie AirHogs | Grand Prairie, Texas | Grand Prairie Ballpark | 6,000 |
| Pensacola Pelicans | Pensacola, Florida | Pelican Park | 3,000 |
| Shreveport Sports | Shreveport, Louisiana | Fair Grounds Field | 6,400 |
League Champions
2006 - Fort Worth Cats 2007 - Fort Worth Cats
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.
Possible Expansion
- Brighton, Colorado in 2009 at Brighton Ballpark [1]
Former Teams
- Coastal Bend Aviators-- one of two teams eliminated after 2007 season
- St. Joe Blacksnakes-- one of two teams eliminated after 2007 season
External links
- American Association of Independent Professional Baseball
- aabfan.com - American Association Baseball Fan's Guide
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| North Division | Lincoln Saltdogs • St. Paul Saints • Sioux City Explorers • Sioux Falls Canaries • Wichita Wingnuts |
| South Division | El Paso Diablos • Fort Worth Cats • Grand Prairie AirHogs • Pensacola Pelicans • Shreveport Sports |
