FORTEWHINER.COM

If you have heard about the professional independent minor league baseball teams and leagues, sometimes called the “indy leagues”, then you may have wondered why you should pay attention to them.  Since the leagues are not affiliated with the Minor League Baseball teams, many people dismiss these leagues and teams without much thought.  

Here are four reasons why you should pay attention to independent baseball:

First, independent baseball virtually guarantees that fans get something which they claim to want for a long time:  seeing professional athletes who make less than the fans do!  The players rarely receive any money during the off-season, and most have to work jobs from September through April in order to have the ability to play during the summer.  Many people do not know this, but a Major League superstar making $20 million a year oftentimes makes more per game than the entire season’s player payroll of an independent baseball team!  

Since many players in independent baseball get signed to contracts with affiliated Minor League teams, the perceived discrepancy in talent is not as wide as many may think.  This means that fans get to see quality professional baseball at a great price and have the opportunity to cheer for the underdog player who may have been overlooked.  Over 30 players who have MLB experience started their pro careers in the independent leagues, having never been signed to a Minor League contract before throwing their first professional pitch or at bat.  Kevin Millar and Chris Coste are just two examples of players whose careers started in the independent leagues.

Second, you may want to consider following independent baseball because you get to see players who truly play for the love of the game.  An “insider’s secret” about professional baseball is that there are many guys sitting at home who, after a few weeks of getting in shape, could play in the independent leagues.  Whether the guys are beginning careers, families, have legal concerns, nagging injuries, or simply didn’t have the funds to travel to several tryouts, they are not in uniform for one reason or another.  Many times, however, a player will not play because he believes – oftentimes incorrectly – that he is “worth more money” than what an independent team is paying.

This means that fans get to see players who genuinely care about playing baseball regardless of the financial situation.  The other benefit is that many independent leagues, depending on your geography, often offer a caliber of play which is superior to a lower-level affiliated team.  This claim is justified by looking at the rosters of several independent baseball teams which have lots of former Major Leaguers and Triple-A players.  Odds are that they would beat many “rookie” teams and other lower-level teams simply due to their physical maturity and level of professional playing experience.  Again, this means that fans get terrific baseball at a great price.

Finally, consider following independent baseball because you get to see former Major Leaguers who are managing these teams.  During the 2009 season there were at least 20 independent baseball team managers and coaches with Major League playing experience.  Many of these managers sign autographs, share stories with fans at games, and pass along some tremendous knowledge to their players.  Their experience lends credibility to the independent baseball industry and gives the fans reassurance that they are watching quality baseball.

The next time you read a story about an independent baseball team hopefully you will have a greater appreciation for the players and managers.  Should you have the opportunity to attend an independent league game then be sure to enjoy your time at the game and remember that you will be seeing some terrific baseball.

About the Author:

Take a few minutes and discover what teams, players, and managers are involved in Independent League Baseball by visiting http://www.IndependentBaseball.net

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Reasons Why Independent League Baseball Is Worth Following

Goofy “How To Play Baseball”

Grumpy Old Man Baseball Cap Blue £4.94 …

NEW NY New York Wave Fitted Flat Peak Baseball Cap 7 1/4 £5.99 You are looking at a flat peak baseball cap with the NY New York symbol. This is a very popular cap and is size 7 1/4″. Limited numbers available. Buy now to avoid disappointment.Other caps and sizes available please see my other items….

Cap Rack – Baseball Hat Storage and Display System £20.00 It comes pre-assembled in the package and includes mounting hardware….

Three Little Words [DVD] [1950] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] £8.07 …

Take Me out to the Ball Game [DVD] [1949] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] £3.92 …

Rawlings ‘Arsenal’ 28/14.5 Youth Baseball Bat $40.99 Rawlings bat includes Sure-Lock Low Rider 105 MPH ultra tough end plugBaseball bat features Buzz Off vibration-reduction gripSports equipment boasts aluminum/composite construction

Baseball America 2010 Prospect Handbook (Paperback) $20.78 A latest edition of an annual reference provides detailed analyses and statistics for 900 players and the top 100 prospects, sharing a detailed amateur draft report card and a ranking of MLB player development programs. Original.

Baseball Card Pack (500 Cards Total) $24.99 Incredible addition to any baseball card collectionSet includes possible rookie cards, limited editions, or cards needed to complete your setsIncludes 500 total cards in never-opened and never-searched trading card packs

New York Yankees MLB Diamond Collection Robe $42.99 Robe features a luxurious shawl collar, oversized pockets and embroidered design featuring your favorite sports teamGreat item for any New York Yankees fanaticBath accessory has a soft, 100-percent terry velour cotton construction

Adult Small Weighted Batting Gloves $19.41 Weighted batting gloves increase muscle strength within natural motion of bat swingGloves develop bat speed through increased muscle strengthSportswear features double-strap Velcro fasteners for added support

Baseball Prospectus 2010 (Paperback) $14.43 The best-selling annual baseball preview returns for the 2010 MLB season, providing analysis and critical essays on each of the teams and projections for each player`s stats using Nate Silver`s PECOTA model. Original.

Fleer Ultra 2007 Baseball Trading Card Fat Pack Box $30.49 Collect cards of your favorite MLB players with the 2007 Fleer Ultra Baseball Fat Pack BoxThe box contains 18 packs of 32 cardsYou will have hours of fun opening and organizing these baseball cards

Worth Insanity Slow Pitch Softball 34/32 Bat $45.49 Worth Insanity slow pitch bat is a homerunSoftball bat is in stock and ready to pound the competitionLightweight 7046 alloy singlewall Hyper Flex whiplash frame for max feel, speed and pop

Worth 34/26 Insanity Slow Pitch Softball Bat $45.99 Insanity slow pitch softball bat with 30-percent thinner Whiplash frame for greater flex and an explosive sweet spotInsanity bat is certified by all major softball associationsBat features Pro-Tac composite grip for maximum grip and feel

Los Angeles Dodgers MLB Diamond Collection Robe $44.49 Robe features a luxurious shawl collar, oversized pockets and a subtle embroidered design featuring your favorite sports teamGreat item for any Dodgers fanaticBath accessory has a soft, 100-percent terry velour cotton construction

1980-2008 Philadelphia Phillies Picture Plaque $31.49 Add a sporty flair to your office or den with this 198-2008 Philadelphia Phillies picture plaqueSports memorabilia includes photos of Tug McGraw and Brad LidgePlaque is a great gift for the diehard Phillies fan

Boston Red Sox Clip Lanyard Keychain ID Holder $11.59 Boston Red Sox collectible makes a great giftSports lanyard holds keys and ID badgesBaseball fans, show your team spirit with a fresh lanyard

Bill Lopa ‘Mariano Rivera’ Poster (20 in. x 32 in.) $18.49 Poster form of Bill Lopa’s painting of Mariano RiveraHis formidable talent has already made a name for himself in the sports art and memorabilia arenaPerfect gift idea for and New York Yankees fan

Mark and Me (Hardcover) $16.31 The author provides an inside look at his reclusive older brother, baseball slugger Mark McGwire, and their sports-loving family, dispelling Jose Canseco`s tales about Mark and offering a detailed account of what really happened to the baseball star–h…

100 Things Cardinal Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die $10.07 Description not available.

Scott Podsednik Signed 2005 World Series Baseball $59.99 Show off your enthusiasm for baseball with this signed World Series ballSports memorabilia is hand-signed by outfielder Scott PodsednikCollectible baseball comes complete with a Steiner Sports Certificate of Authenticity

Boston Red Sox ‘Seven Times Champions’ Red T-shirt $20.49 T-shirt celebrates the history of the Boston Red SoxCollectible has ‘Seven Times Champions’ print on frontBaseball memorabilia available in a red color option

World Series Champion New York Yankees Core Four Picture Plaque $33.49 Show your team spirit with a New York Yankees picture plaqueSports memorabilia displays the 2009 New York Yankees ‘core four’Baseball plaque is officially licensed

Arizona Diamondbacks Divot Tool and Golf Ball Marker Set $13.39 Durable heavy brass team logo marker is easily removed to mark your ballGolf gear has a magnetic center and sunken center so the marker stays in placeTruly great golf tool and marker set is great for any Arizona Diamondbacks fan

Philadelphia Phillies Lanyard Keychain ID Holder $9.39 Show your true colors with a Philadelphia Phillies lanyardLanyard features a detachable clip to hold your ID or keysSports collectible is the perfect gift for any fan