History UsefulNotes / MinorLeagueBaseball

Because the players are not well known, Minor League teams are often marketed through use of crazy promotions and give-aways, and a sense of local pride. The manic atmosphere is added to by the frequently-amusing or whimsical names of the teams, like the former Las Vegas 51s (named for {{Area 51}} and with [[TheGreys a grey alien]] mascot; since renamed the Las Vegas Aviators) and Albuquerque Isotopes (which ''is'' a ''[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Simpsons]]'' reference, despite the club's [[ImplausibleDeniability insistence]] it's just about Albuquerque's links to the Los Alamos National Laboratory) of the PCL, and the Lehigh Valley [=IronPigs=] and famous Toledo Mud Hens (often mentioned on ''Series/{{MASH}}'' as the hometown team of WholesomeCrossdresser Cpl. Klinger) of the International League. Lately, some teams have come around to the realization that in comparison with the bigs, the smaller, more intimate facilities and comfortable vibe and wallet-friendly prices are a powerful draw themselves (think jazz bar versus large arena). This view is--deliberately--reinforced on the part of teams that are within easy driving distance of the parent MLB club. The Orioles[[note]]Norfolk, VA; Bowie, MD; Aberdeen, MD & Salisbury, MD[[/note]], Guardians[[note]]Columbus, Akron & Eastlake, OH[[/note]], Yankees[[note]]Scranton, PA; Bridgewater, NJ & Wappingers Falls, NY[[/note]], Marlins[[note]]Jacksonville, Pensacola & Jupiter, FL[[/note]], Mets[[note]]Syracuse, Binghamton & Brooklyn, NY[[/note]], and Phillies[[note]]Allentown, PA; Reading, PA & Lakewood, NJ[[/note]] systems are particularly fond of this: they each have their Triple-A, Double-A, and at least one A farm team in fairly close proximity to the parent club.

[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/minor_league_baseball.jpg]]

Minor League Baseball, also called [=MiLB=] or "the farm system", is where most players drafted by UsefulNotes/MLBTeams play before making it to the major leagues, if they ever make it at all. Teams are affiliated with major league clubs and serve to develop players by having them progress through increasing levels of competition quality and larger markets.

MLB's effective takeover of [=MiLB=] is also allowing it to use the minors as a test bed for many experimental rules. In 2021, all levels of the minors above Rookie tested said rules, and some of these were tested in the 2021 Arizona Fall League as well.
* In all Low-A leagues, pitchers could attempt a pickoff, or step off the rubber, only twice per at-bat. If they do so a third time, and fail to pick off the runner, a balk is called, advancing all runners one base. The AFL also used this rule.

* Low-A West (now the California League) adopted a 15-second pitch clock, as did the AFL.

* In all Double-A leagues, all four infielders were required to have both feet on the infield dirt at the moment the pitcher delivers the ball, eliminating some of the more extreme defensive shifts. MLB further changed the rule at midseason, requiring that two infielders play on each side of second base. The AFL tested the full version of this rule in 2021 (two infielders on each side of second, with both feet on the dirt).
* In Triple-A, first, second, and third bases were increased in size from 15 inches to 18 inches, giving a tiny advantage to batter-runners and base stealers, and (hopefully) reducing the likelihood of collisions at the bags. The 2021 AFL also used the larger bases.

Affiliated minors should not be confused with independent minor leagues such as the Atlantic League, American Association, Frontier League, and Pioneer League. They don't have a direct affiliation with Major League Baseball clubs, players, who often were drafted into [=MiLB=] but later cut, are trying to impress enough to be signed by affiliated minor league teams again. As of 2021, these four leagues are "official partner leagues" of MLB, giving them a level of recognition in what used to be called "organized baseball". Other independent leagues, such as the Pecos League, are lower-budget affairs for players passed over in the draft to try to get noticed and picked up by higher-tier indy teams and maybe from there to affiliated ball.
* Among these leagues, the Atlantic League is notable for its use by MLB as a test bed for rule changes in very recent years. It used an automated ball-strike system in 2019 and 2021 (with COVID-19 killing the 2020 season), but decided to scrap it after the latter season. Also in 2021, the league implemented the so-called "double-hook" rule—meaning that once a team removes its starting pitcher, it loses the designated hitter for the rest of the game. In the second half of that season, it moved the pitcher's rubber back 1 foot, from the traditional 60.5 feet to 61.5 feet[[labelnote:*]]measured from the front edge of the rubber to the rear point of home plate[[/labelnote]], but decided not to continue with it in 2022. It will continue to use larger bases (17 inches in its case) and anti-shift rules, both also tested in 2021. Another change being tested in 2022 is to extra-innings rules. The first inning after regulation will start with runners on first and second, and every inning after that will start with the bases loaded.

An example of [=MiLB=] teams in movies is the movie ''Film/BullDurham'', where the Durham Bulls, Kinston Indians, and other teams were all part of [=MiLB=].[[note]]The Bulls still play as such; the Indians have since renamed themselves the Down East Wood Ducks.[[/note]]

Because the players are not well known, Minor League teams are often marketed through use of crazy promotions and give-aways, and a sense of local pride. The manic atmosphere is added to by the frequently-amusing or whimsical names of the teams, like the former Las Vegas 51s (named for {{Area 51}} and with [[TheGreys a grey alien]] mascot; since renamed the Las Vegas Aviators) and Albuquerque Isotopes (which ''is'' a ''[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Simpsons]]'' reference, despite the club's [[ImplausibleDeniability insistence]] it's just about Albuquerque's links to the Los Alamos National Laboratory) of Triple-A West, and the Lehigh Valley [=IronPigs=] and famous Toledo Mud Hens (often mentioned on ''Series/{{MASH}}'' as the hometown team of WholesomeCrossdresser Cpl. Klinger) of the International League. Lately, some teams have come around to the realization that in comparison with the bigs, the smaller, more intimate facilities and comfortable vibe and wallet-friendly prices are a powerful draw themselves (think jazz bar versus large arena). This view is—deliberately—reinforced on the part of teams that are within easy driving distance of the parent MLB club. The Orioles[[note]]Norfolk, VA; Bowie, MD; Aberdeen, MD & Salisbury, MD[[/note]], Guardians[[note]]Columbus, Akron & Eastlake, OH[[/note]], Yankees[[note]]Scranton, PA; Bridgewater, NJ & Wappingers Falls, NY[[/note]], Marlins[[note]]Jacksonville, Pensacola & Jupiter, FL[[/note]], Mets[[note]]Syracuse, Binghamton & Brooklyn, NY[[/note]], and Phillies[[note]]Allentown, PA; Reading, PA & Lakewood, NJ[[/note]] systems are particularly fond of this: they each have their Triple-A, Double-A, and at least one A farm team in fairly close proximity to the parent club.

Because the players are not well known, Minor League teams are often marketed through use of crazy promotions and give-aways, and a sense of local pride. The manic atmosphere is added to by the frequently-amusing or whimsical names of the teams, like the former Las Vegas 51s (named for {{Area 51}} and with [[TheGreys a grey alien]] mascot; since renamed the Las Vegas Aviators) and Albuquerque Isotopes (which ''is'' a ''[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Simpsons]]'' reference, despite the club's [[ImplausibleDeniability insistence]] it's just about Albuquerque's links to the Los Alamos National Laboratory) of Triple-A West, and the Lehigh Valley [=IronPigs=] and famous Toledo Mud Hens (often mentioned on ''Series/{{MASH}}'' as the hometown team of WholesomeCrossdresser Cpl. Klinger) of Triple-A East. Lately, some teams have come around to the realization that in comparison with the bigs, the smaller, more intimate facilities and comfortable vibe and wallet-friendly prices are a powerful draw themselves (think jazz bar versus large arena). This view is—deliberately—reinforced on the part of teams that are within easy driving distance of the parent MLB club. The Orioles[[note]]Norfolk, VA; Bowie, MD; Aberdeen, MD & Salisbury, MD[[/note]], Guardians[[note]]Columbus, Akron & Eastlake, OH[[/note]], Yankees[[note]]Scranton, PA; Bridgewater, NJ & Wappingers Falls, NY[[/note]], Marlins[[note]]Jacksonville, Pensacola & Jupiter, FL[[/note]], Mets[[note]]Syracuse, Binghamton & Brooklyn, NY[[/note]], and Phillies[[note]]Allentown, PA; Reading, PA & Lakewood, NJ[[/note]] systems are particularly fond of this: they each have their Triple-A, Double-A, and at least one A farm team in fairly close proximity to the parent club.

* Low-A Southeast used an electronic system to call balls and strikes in select games. While the AFL and the independent Atlantic League used such a system in 2019, this one is subtly different. The 2019 system used a 3-D zone that covered home plate; the 2021 system used a 2-D plane in front of home plate. The AFL used this second system in 2021.
* Low-A West adopted a 15-second pitch clock, as did the AFL.

Teams belong to a multi-tiered system of leagues ranging from the Rookie leagues all the way up to Triple-A. Effective with a major reorganization of [=MiLB=] that went down in 2021, the complete list, working from the bottom, goes like this, with each MLB team now limited to one affiliate at each level (unless otherwise noted). For the time being, MLB also ditched the historic names of [=MiLB=] leagues, renaming all of the new leagues with just their level and a regional identifier (though some of the old names may come back in the future).

* '''Low-A''': Low-A leagues are made up mostly of players who had been in Rookie leagues the season before, with a few standout draftees likely to join in midseason. Three leagues play at this level: Low-A East (which drew its teams mainly from the former Carolina League [High-A] and South Atlantic League [Low-A]), Low-A Southeast (the High-A Florida State League with the serial numbers filed off), and Low-A West (ditto, except in this case the predecessor was the High-A California League).
* '''High-A''': This level is when the players really start getting good and the first level where players who have any shot whatsoever of getting promoted to the majors really start to stand out. Now consists of High-A Central (all of whose teams had been in the Low-A-level Midwest League), High-A East (a mashup of teams that had been in the Carolina League, Midwest League, SAL, and the former Short Season New York–Penn League), and High-A West (basically the former Short Season Northwest League).
* Then there is '''Double-A''', which is, not surprisingly, basically better quality. Although it is technically the second-highest level of the Minors, some teams will often call up their best prospects straight from here (see below for reasons), although with others it is just simply another step on the road to another level and closer to The Show. The leagues at this level are Double-A Central (mostly drawn from the former Texas League, also a AA circuit), Double-A Northeast (the Eastern League in all but name), and Double-A South (the Southern League in all but name).
* Finally, there is '''Triple-A''' Baseball, the last rung before MLB. Two leagues are at this level: Triple-A East and Triple-A West (replacing the International League and Pacific Coast League, respectively). In general, the competition here is almost as good (and in some cases better) than what it is in the Big Leagues, and the prospects are often, but not always, the best in a team's system. But even if the Prospects skip Triple-A, the Triple-A team will still generally be the most talented team outside the MLB club itself. This is because sometimes Triple-A will become a "parking lot" for players who are either good enough for the big leagues but are unlucky enough to be trapped on the depth chart behind a established MLB player (for example, Ryan Howard of the Phillies remained in Triple-A longer than he probably should have because the team had Jim Thome, an eventual Hall of Famer, at his position) or players who are just barely not good enough to make it in the Big Leagues, but are certainly better than most of their Triple-A compatriots (these players are sometimes said to be "quadruple-A' quality). Fifteen members of each Triple-A team (usually) ''are'' major league ballplayers; they're part of the parent club's extended 40-man roster and eligible to play for their major league club after September 1. However, since 2020, MLB teams can only have 28 players on their September rosters (and in fact must have ''exactly'' that number). Before this new limitation took effect, many teams waited until after the minor league postseason to expand their rosters (not necessarily to the full 40) if their farm club was a contender. Because of the fact that Triple-A rosters have less fluidity than those in Double-A or lower, it is not uncommon for fans to become attached to their favorite players and follow their careers once they make it to the majors, even if they aren't playing for one's favorite team. Similarly, some "quad-A" players sometimes become fixtures for years on certain Triple-A teams, and become involved with local charities, hospitals, etc. (although this has become less common in recent years because the cold hard economic realities of the game and the dream of getting to the big leagues will usually lead to a player either being released or signing with another team where he'd have a better shot of making the big leagues).

* Among these leagues, the Atlantic League is notable for its use by MLB as a test bed for rule changes in very recent years. It used an automated ball-strike system in 2019 and 2021, but decided to scrap it after the latter season. Also in 2021, the league implemented the so-called "double-hook" rule—meaning that once a team removes its starting pitcher, it loses the designated hitter for the rest of the game. In the second half of that season, it moved the pitcher's rubber back 1 foot, from the traditional 60.5 feet to 61.5 feet[[labelnote:*]]measured from the front edge of the rubber to the rear point of home plate[[/labelnote]], but decided not to continue with it in 2022. It will continue to use larger bases (17 inches in its case) and anti-shift rules, both also tested in 2021. Another change being tested in 2022 is to extra-innings rules. The first inning after regulation will start with runners on first and second, and every inning after that will start with the bases loaded.

* Among these leagues, the Atlantic League is notable for its use by MLB as a test bed for rule changes in very recent years. It continues to use the automated ball-strike system it started using in 2019, though with the aforementioned tweak that Low-A Southeast tried out in 2021. Also in 2021, the league implemented the so-called "double-hook" rule—meaning that once a team removes its starting pitcher, it loses the designated hitter for the rest of the game. In the second half of that season, it moved the pitcher's rubber back 1 foot, from the traditional 60.5 feet to 61.5 feet[[labelnote:*]]measured from the front edge of the rubber to the rear point of home plate[[/labelnote]].

Because the players are not well known, Minor League teams are often marketed through use of crazy promotions and give-aways, and a sense of local pride. The manic atmosphere is added to by the frequently-amusing or whimsical names of the teams, like the former Las Vegas 51s (named for {{Area 51}} and with [[TheGreys a grey alien]] mascot; since renamed the Las Vegas Aviators) and Albuquerque Isotopes (which ''is'' a ''[[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Simpsons]]'' reference, despite the club's [[ImplausibleDeniability insistence]] it's just about Albuquerque's links to the Los Alamos National Laboratory) of Triple-A West, and the Lehigh Valley [=IronPigs=] and famous Toledo Mud Hens (often mentioned on ''Series/{{MASH}}'' as the hometown team of WholesomeCrossdresser Cpl. Klinger) of Triple-A East. Lately, some teams have come around to the realization that in comparison with the bigs, the smaller, more intimate facilities and comfortable vibe and wallet-friendly prices are a powerful draw themselves (think jazz bar versus large arena). This view is—deliberately—reinforced on the part of teams that are within easy driving distance of the parent MLB club. The Orioles[[note]]Norfolk, VA; Bowie, MD; Aberdeen, MD & Salisbury, MD[[/note]], Indians[[note]]Columbus, Akron & Eastlake, OH[[/note]], Yankees[[note]]Scranton, PA; Bridgewater, NJ & Wappingers Falls, NY[[/note]], Marlins[[note]]Jacksonville, Pensacola & Jupiter, FL[[/note]], Mets[[note]]Syracuse, Binghamton & Brooklyn, NY[[/note]], and Phillies[[note]]Allentown, PA; Reading, PA & Lakewood, NJ[[/note]] systems are particularly fond of this: they each have their Triple-A, Double-A, and at least one A farm team in fairly close proximity to the parent club.

MLB's effective takeover of [=MiLB=] is also allowing it to use the minors as a test bed for many experimental rules. In 2021, all levels of the minors above Rookie tested said rules, and some of these are being tested in the 2021 Arizona Fall League as well.
* In all Low-A leagues, pitchers could attempt a pickoff, or step off the rubber, only twice per at-bat. If they do so a third time, and fail to pick off the runner, a balk is called, advancing all runners one base. The AFL is also using this rule.
* Low-A Southeast used an electronic system to call balls and strikes in select games. While the AFL and the independent Atlantic League used such a system in 2019, this one is subtly different. The 2019 system used a 3-D zone that covered home plate; the 2021 system uses a 2-D plane in front of home plate. The AFL is using this second system in 2021.

* In all Double-A leagues, all four infielders were required to have both feet on the infield dirt at the moment the pitcher delivers the ball, eliminating some of the more extreme defensive shifts. MLB further changed the rule at midseason, requiring that two infielders play on each side of second base. The AFL is testing the full version of this rule in 2021 (two infielders on each side of second, with both feet on the dirt).
* In Triple-A, first, second, and third bases were increased in size from 15 inches to 18 inches, giving a tiny advantage to batter-runners and base stealers, and (hopefully) reducing the likelihood of collisions at the bags. The 2021 AFL is also using the larger bases.

Affiliated minors should not be confused with independent minor leagues such as the Atlantic League, American Association, Frontier League, and Pioneer League. They don't have a direct affiliation with Major League Baseball clubs, players, who often were drafted into [=MiLB=] but later cut, are trying to impress enough to be signed by affiliated minor league teams again. As of 2021, these four leagues are "official partner leagues" of MLB, giving them a level of recognition in what used to be called "organized baseball". Other independent leagues, such as the Pecos League, are lower budget affairs for players passed over in the draft to try to get noticed and picked up by higher-tier indy teams and maybe from there to affiliated ball.

An example of an collegiate league in movies can be found in ''Film/SummerCatch'', where the featured baseball team belongs to the Cape Cod League.

Teams belong to a multi-tiered system of leagues ranging from the Rookie leagues all the way up to Triple-A. Effective with a major reorganization of [=MiLB=] taking effect in 2021, the complete list, working from the bottom, goes like this, with each MLB team now limited to one affiliate at each level (unless otherwise noted). For the time being, MLB also ditched the historic names of [=MiLB=] leagues, renaming all of the new leagues with just their level and a regional identifier (though some of the old names may come back in the future).
* In '''Rookie''' level the players are raw, often straight from whatever college or high school they were playing at before they signed. Rookie Leagues include the Arizona and Florida Complex Leagues[[labelnote:*]]respectively known before 2021 as the Arizona and Gulf Coast Leagues[[/labelnote]], with teams using the parent MLB club's Spring Training practice facilities and playing an abbreviated 60-game schedule that starts after the high school and college seasons end, so the players have no downtime before starting their pro careers. The UsefulNotes/{{Dominican|Republic}} Summer League, an MLB-affiliated league that develops young prospects from Latin America, is also at this level. While each MLB team will eventually be limited to one team in the complex leagues, six MLB teams are fielding two complex league sides in 2021.[[labelnote:*]]Arizona: Brewers, Giants, Royals; Florida: Orioles, Pirates, Tigers[[/labelnote]] Each MLB team also fields one or more teams in the Dominican Summer League (currently, slightly less than half of MLB teams field two DSL teams).

MLB's effective takeover of [=MiLB=] is also allowing it to use the minors as a test bed for many experimental rules. In 2021, all levels of the minors above Rookie will test said rules:
* In all Low-A leagues, pitchers can attempt a pickoff, or step off the rubber, only twice per at-bat. If they do so a third time, and fail to pick off the runner, a balk is called, advancing all runners one base.
* Low-A Southeast will use an electronic system to call balls and strikes in select games. While the Arizona Fall League and the independent Atlantic League used such a system in 2019, this one is subtly different. The 2019 system used a 3-D zone that covered home plate; the 2021 system will use a 2-D plane in front of home plate.
* Low-A West will adopt a 15-second pitch clock.
* In all High-A leagues, pitchers will be required to step off the rubber before attempting a pickoff (though they're not subject to the Low-A limits on attempts). This rule had been tested in the Atlantic League in 2019, leading to a dramatic increase in steal attempts and a lesser but still significant increase in success rate. This change especially impacts left-handed pitchers, who face the first-base side of the field and thus don't need to step off the rubber to attempt to pick off a runner on first.[[note]]While right-handers enjoy the same advantage when a runner is on third, pickoff attempts are much less common at third than first.[[/note]]
* In all Double-A leagues, all four infielders will be required to have both feet on the infield dirt at the moment the pitcher delivers the ball, eliminating some of the more extreme defensive shifts. MLB is considering a midseason change in these leagues that would further restrict shifts, requiring that two infielders play on each side of second base.
* In Triple-A, first, second, and third bases will be increased in size from 15 inches to 18 inches, giving a tiny advantage to batter-runners and base stealers, and (hopefully) reducing the likelihood of collisions at the bags.

* Among these leagues, the Atlantic League is notable for its use by MLB as a test bed for rule changes in very recent years. It will continue to use the automated ball-strike system it started using in 2019, though with the aforementioned tweak that Low-A Southeast will try out in 2021. Also in 2021, the league will implement the so-called "double-hook" rule—meaning that once a team removes its starting pitcher, it loses the designated hitter for the rest of the game. In the second half of that season, it will move the pitcher's rubber back 1 foot, from the traditional 60.5 feet to 61.5 feet[[labelnote:*]]measured from the front edge of the rubber to the rear point of home plate[[/labelnote]].

Also not to be confused with amateur collegiate summer leagues, such as the Cape Cod League, which are amateur leagues consisting of college players playing during their summer break while still maintaining their NCAA eligibility for the following school year. Significantly, all of these leagues use wooden bats—the same types mandated by MLB and [=MiLB=]. (College baseball allows metal and composite bats.) Literally ''dozens'' of such leagues operate. The 2021 reorg also introduces the Prospect Development Pipeline, an official amateur development pathway co-sponsored by MLB and USA Baseball (the country's official governing body for baseball, though its scope mainly covers national team competition). The Appalachian League, formerly a Rookie-Advanced professional league, is now the official PDP league for rising college freshmen and sophomores. The Cape Cod League will fill this role for rising juniors, which had been its de facto role anyway.[[note]]The "rising junior" part is significant because of MLB's draft rules. All residents of the US, its territories, and Canada are automatically eligible for the draft upon high school graduation. However, once a player enrolls in a four-year college or university, he is not eligible again until completing three years or turning 21, whichever comes first. This means that rising juniors will be eligible after their next college season; the Cape League traditionally draws many top college prospects at that point in time, allowing MLB scouts to see them in action against one another with wooden bats.[[/note]] The final PDP league will be the MLB Draft League, which will feature top draft-eligible prospects of all classes; it will launch with six teams, with four having been members of the defunct Short-Season New York–Penn League and one each coming from the High-A Carolina League and the Double-A Eastern League.

* In '''Rookie''' level the players are raw, often straight from whatever college or high school they were playing at before they signed. Rookie Leagues include the Arizona and Gulf Coast Leagues, with teams using the parent MLB club's Spring Training practice facilities (therefore these are also known as the "complex leagues") and playing an abbreviated 60-game schedule that starts after the high school and college seasons end, so the players have no downtime before starting their pro careers. The UsefulNotes/{{Dominican|Republic}} Summer League, an MLB-affiliated league that develops young prospects from Latin America, is also at this level. Each MLB team is limited to one team in the complex leagues, but can field one or more teams in the Dominican Summer League (currently, slightly less than half of MLB teams field two DSL teams). Unlike all other levels, the Rookie Leagues kept their names after the reorg.

* Among these leagues, the Atlantic League is notable for its use by MLB as a test bed for rule changes in very recent years. In 2019, the league implemented an automated ball-strike computer umpiring system, and is continuing to use it in 2021 (COVID-19 scuttled the league's 2020 season). Also in 2021, the league will implement the so-called "double-hook" rule—meaning that once a team removes its starting pitcher, it loses the designated hitter for the rest of the game. In the second half of that season, it will move the pitcher's rubber back 1 foot, from the traditional 60.5 feet to 61.5 feet[[labelnote:*]]measured from the front edge of the rubber to the rear point of home plate[[/labelnote]].

MLB' effective takeover of [=MiLB=] is also allowing it to use the minors as a test bed for many experimental rules. In 2021, all levels of the minors above Rookie will test said rules: