The American Baseball League

[glenn]

Baseball is back? Baseball opened for business again with ten teams kicking off spring training today in Florida and Arizona. In what can best be described as chaotic, Major League Baseball is attempting to field teams of replacement players. For the first time, baseball has closed spring training to the press. A spokesman for Major League Baseball went on record as saying when the season opens, the best players in the world will once again be playing Major League Baseball.

[glenn]

“…..Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and home of the brave?”
As the umpire yelled “Play Ball!” the New York Yankees took the field against the Boston Red Sox in the first spring training game of the year. On a beautiful day in sunny Florida, outside the stadium, protesters and signs greeted both the replacement players and the fans as they approached. In what was billed as baseball’s glorious return, the number of empty seats far outnumbered the fans. The player’s brave enough to cross the line had enough guts, but looked to be short changed in the talent department. The Yankees fielded a team of 19 youngsters, and the Red Sox managed to scrape together a squad of 16. The first inning produced 8 runs, 12 walks, and 4 errors between the two teams. Taking a page from the little league handbook, the game was called after five innings, with the Yankees up by 10 runs, and the Red Sox out of pitchers.

Around the league, five games were cancelled because teams could not suit up enough players, and the games that were played resembled a little league game at best. Baseball was back, but the question remains, does anybody care?

[glenn]

Baseball continues to limp along, trying to field teams capable of playing at the Major League level. Commissioner Kuhn announced today that a modification to the schedule was made, and 16 teams will be playing an abbreviated schedule beginning on May 1st. There has been no word yet on which teams would not be playing Major League Baseball this year, or how many games would be played on the field. Attendance for Spring Training games is at an all-time low level, and baseball fans appear to be staying away in massive numbers.

The baseball player’s union announced today that former Major League Baseball all-stars would kick off a 40 city barnstorming tour, in an effort to keep players fresh, and baseball fans entertained. A portion of the revenue generated in each city will be donated to local charities. A number of players have already committed to taking part in the tour, including Joe Morgan, Steve Carlton, Rod Carew, Dick Allen, Johnny Bench, Hank Aaron, Tom Seaver, and Pete Rose.

[Anthony Odarczenko]

I just want to say (especially because noone else really has), that I'm enjoying this thread and look forward to continue reading it.

[glenn]

Originally Posted by Anthony Odarczenko

I just want to say (especially because noone else really has), that I'm enjoying this thread and look forward to continue reading it.

Thank you.

[glenn]

Today, the formation of the National Baseball League was announced by a group of investors with ties to the former American Football League. The announcement was made by Joe Foss, the former AFL commissioner. The group of investor’s includes Bud Adams and Lamar Hunt, both of whom were team owners during the inaugural season of the American Football League. Ten cities have been chosen for franchises, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Kansas City. No word yet on when actual games will be played.

[glenn]

Commissioner Kuhn angrily slammed the phone and began to pace nervously. The plan that was set in motion almost a year ago was falling apart, and the empire known as Major League Baseball was beginning to crumble. Within the past 24 hours, he received notice that NBC and ABC were taking Major League Baseball to court for breach of contract, the unity of owners was falling to pieces, the reality that replacement players were not going to cut it was starting to sink in, and Marvin Miller would no longer return HIS calls. And the final straw, CBS calling to tell him that The New York Yankees would not be fielding a team this year. Not just any team, but the most storied franchise in the history of baseball. The plan to save baseball has backfired, and left him with no other choice. He sat down at his desk, reached into the top drawer, and pulled out a pen and paper. He quickly scribbled down a couple of sentences, and ended with “Effective immediately, I am stepping down as the commissioner of Major League Baseball”.

[glenn]

It’s been a busy week in baseball news, and one can’t help but wonder, where it all went wrong. This week, Congress passed an act that included a full repeal of Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption.

The repeal of the antitrust exemption, it will now be more difficult for MLB to prevent the movement of franchises. MLB could lose the rights to players faster, lose their minor league affiliates, effectively creating independent minor leagues, and jeopardizing the future of the amateur draft.

Major League Baseball announced today that the 1973 season would open on May 14th, with the two leagues consisting of 5 teams playing an abbreviated 72 game schedule. Attempts to reconcile differences with the player’s union have been unsuccessful, and in the court of public opinion, Major League Baseball has wronged the fans. With no national television contract in place, no commissioner, and star players, and no sense of direction, the question remains if anybody will care when the games start. The season will begin just one day after the current barnstorming tour of former Major League All-Stars, which began yesterday.

The American League will consist of the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians. The National League will consist of the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The first stop on the 40 city barnstorming tour of former Major League All-Stars got off to a successful start in New York City yesterday. A sold-out crowd watched as the former NL All-Stars topped the former AL All-Stars 2-1, proving that America still has an appetite for baseball.

A representative for a second group of investors announced the formation of a new professional baseball league that will start play in 1974. No other details were given, including the names involved in the start up, but the spokesman said the group of businessman is confident their league will be profitable, competitive and be able to attract not only the best players available but a strong fan base as well.

[glenn]

Marvin Miller was appearing in public with a smile on his face for the first time in a long time. Hank Aaron had just hit a walk off two run homer giving the former National League All-Stars a 5-4 victory over the former American League All-Stars in the final stop on the 40 city barnstorming tour that was his brain child. The crowds were bigger than expected, the fans louder than expected, and the baseball top notch. The NL stars win gave them a series split, winning 20 and losing 20. The players pleaded their case on and off the field, signing autographs until their hands were sore, taking pictures, talking baseball with fans, and showing everyone that baseball still matters.

Now if he could only shake this nervous feeling he had, because tonight would be the most important night of his life. His speech had been rehearsed over and over for many weeks. The answers to questions not even asked have been answered over and over again in his head. This was the moment Miller had been waiting for.

In a large meeting room in a San Francisco hotel, the union representatives for all 24 former Major League Baseball teams were gathering, the alternate union representative for all teams, and a select handful of seasoned baseball men, including former managers, general managers, and scouts well respected around the league. Tonight’s special guests included several wealthy businessmen, who had previously announced the formation of not one but two professional leagues. Marvin Miller looked around the room one last time, and slowly and confidently made his way to the podium at the front of the room, and began his speech that he hoped would forever change the future of baseball in America.

“First, I want to thank everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules and joining me here tonight for this historic occasion. I want to thank the player’s union for remaining strong and united. For refusing to cross the picket lines, and for believing in the game of baseball, and doing what is right for the game of baseball. I know the past year has been a difficult one for everyone involved. Major League Baseball has turned on not only us, but from America as well. Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is tomorrow, and they are making a mockery of the game we love. We must continue to stand-up and fight back. Baseball is America’s game, and you represent not only the best and brightest players in America, but the world. We need to make sure that the best players are back on the field playing baseball at stadiums around the country where the game belongs.

We must not forget that baseball is not only a game, but a business. Baseball is a business that has generated a lot of money. For years, this money has been protected by a small group of people, who feel it is their right. We have started to stand up and get our fair share of this money, but have been shut out time and time again. Certain rights have been withheld from you because Major League Baseball didn’t want you to have those rights. If you wanted to move to another team after honoring your contract, you were not allowed to do that. If you wanted to earn a fair salary for your performance on the field, you could not do that. We have asked time and time for a piece of the pie, but continue to only receive crumbs. The reason the fans go to the ballpark, and spend their money is not because of the owners, it is because of you, the players. It is because of a Hank Aaron home run, a Nolan Ryan strike out, or a Rod Carew base hit, not because of who is sitting in the owner’s box.

The reason I asked you here tonight was not to criticize owners, and the important role they play in the game. It is important to remember that we are not asking for the whole pie, but only our fair share. Opening day of Major League Baseball is tomorrow, and while it is weakened, it is still a threat to all of us. As you all know, the time is right for a challenge to Major League Baseball, and their monopoly. Two groups have announced their intentions to form professional baseball leagues, the National Baseball League, and at this time, unnamed league. These leagues will face an uphill battle, and most importantly, will need support from the players in order to be successful. The worst possible scenario is the players are divided into two weaker leagues, allowing Major League Baseball to continue to thrive. It will only be a matter of time before troubles arise.

My proposal tonight is that the player’s union joins forces with both leagues, and forms the premier baseball league in America. Let us form a league that can take on Major League Baseball around the country, with the best players the game can offer. Let us create a league that will once again draw fans across America. A league that will showcase the best of what America has to offer. Help us start a league that will restore baseball as America’s National Pastime. America’s League. The American Baseball League. Thank you again for your time tonight. I hope we can work together again in the near future, and make this dream a reality.”

As he left the podium, applause started to fill the room. As he scanned the room, he couldn’t help but notice he was receiving a standing ovation, from not only the player’s union, but the principles from both start-up leagues. As he walked through the door, he was quickly pulled aside by Joe Foss, the former commissioner of the American Football League, and default spokesman for the National Baseball League. They were joined shortly by a spokesman for the second group of investors. Pleasantries and handshakes were exchanged, and the three men retired to a separate meeting room, laying the foundation for the American Baseball League. Marvin Miller had to suppress his second smile of the day, and as they walked to the elevator, two words kept repeating inside his head, Home Run!

[glenn]

Major League Baseball kicked off tonight in five cities around the country. The ballparks were mostly empty, and the games were sloppy, in baseball’s version of Keystone Kops. Bad fielding, bad hitting, and bad pitching ruled the day. The results on the field didn’t matter much, five teams won, five teams lost, but there doesn’t seem to be any winners, just losers all the way around.

[glenn]

Marvin Miller knew it was in their best interest to act fast, and knew how important the second meeting would be. Major League Baseball was struggling, and the sooner a formal announcement was made, the better.

He walked into the meeting room, and quickly took the sixteenth and final seat at the table. The meeting moved along at a quick pace, going through all the agenda items with little discussion, and agreement on most items. The details of the league started to get worked out. An entry fee of $3 million dollars would be paid by each of the owners to the American Baseball League. After the initial season, the fee would be increased to $5 million dollars per team. The league would be run by a committee of three co-commissioners. Nominations for co-commissioners will be accepted for two weeks, and voting will take place immediately. The number of teams will be between 16 and 24 for the inaugural season. The active roster size will be 32 players. Players will be entitled to salary arbitration after two seasons, and be free to sign with any team after three full seasons in the league.

Each team will be responsible for fielding minor league affiliates for all levels of minor league play. The two most controversial measures were passed with little opposition. The perspective owners agreed that no less than 40% of the revenue generated must be set aside for player salaries, and benefits. The owners also agreed that 20% of profit after player expenses would be exempt from revenue sharing, 1% would be given back to the league, and revenue sharing would exist for any profit greater than $5,000,000. The minimum salary was established at $15,000 for players on major league rosters. A competition committee would be established, that would be responsible for drafting the league rules, including playoff formats.

The players union and prospective owners would have two weeks to approve the rules. Once approved, the American Baseball League would be announced, and the prospective owners would have 30 days to pay the initial entry fee. The next meeting date was set for June 4th.

[glenn]

Two weeks into the Major League Baseball season, and the games on the field have been poorly played to this point. Attendance numbers have been way down this year, and baseball fans around the country are not happy. Rumors continue to circulate that there are several clubs with both financial issues and internal turmoil. Major League Baseball announced today that Pittsburgh Pirates owner Joe Brown has been appointed commissioner. Brown made the decision earlier this year to not field a team this year, due to difficulties finding legitimate replacement players.

The current standing after the first two weeks:


American League......W.....L......PCT.....GB
Kansas City Royals........8.....2......800.....-
Detroit Tigers...............6.....4......600.....4
Baltimore Orioles...........4.....6......400.....6
Cleveland Indians..........4.....6......400.....6
Boston Red Sox............2.....8......200.....8

National League......W.....L......PCT.....GB
Los Angeles Dodgers......6.....4......600.....-
Chicago Cubs...............6.....4......600.....-
New York Mets.............6.....4......600.....-
Philadelphia Phillies........4.....6......400.....2
Houston Astros.............4.....6......400.....2

[glenn]

The third meeting took place in Miami, Florida. Marvin Miller had the floor first, and announced that the player’s union has agreed the terms of the last meeting. A feeling of relief was felt throughout the room. The next order of business was to go around the room and receive commitments from prospective team owners. 16 of the 18 business men in the room affirmed their commitment, and pledged to become the inaugural owners for the American Baseball League. Two of the men remained committed, but wanted extra time to secure additional funding.

The last order of business was the election for the three co-commissioners. Five nominations were considered, and a vote took place. Each of the 16 inaugural owners would be given one vote, and in a show of good faith, Marvin Miller would be allowed a vote on behalf of the player’s association. Each of the nominees were given a few minutes to review their credentials, and make their case on why they should be chosen. The top three vote getters, and co-commissioners of the American Baseball League were:

Joe Foss, the former commissioner of the American Football League, who oversaw the emergence of the AFL. Joe Foss was named on all 17 ballets. His experience with another start-up league was valued by all in the room.

Chub Feeney, the former president of the National League, previously lost an election for commissioner of Major League Baseball to Bowie Kuhn. Chub was named on 14 ballets. His experience as president of the National League operations would bring valuable experience with baseball operations.

Lee McPhail, former director of player personnel, and former General Manager of both the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees. McPhail also served as an assistant to the commissioner of Major League Baseball for one year. McPhail resigned on January 1st, 1973 from his position as general manager of the Yankees during the lockout due to his outrage over the announcement that baseball would be using replacement players. Lee was named on 14 ballets as well, and brings experience at many levels to the job.

The co-commissioners will be responsible for picking members for the competition committee. The final order of business for the day was to choose a date to announce the birth of the American Baseball League. After minimal discussion, it was decided that the announcement would take place on July 3rd.

[glenn]

The Major League Baseball season continued to limp along. The quality of play on the field has only shown marginal improvement during the first six weeks of the season. Major League Baseball’s problems continued to grow today as a group of Boston Red Sox season ticket holders announced they were filing a class action lawsuit against the Red Sox for failing to field a major league quality baseball team. The group is asking for a full refund for the amount paid for season tickets, which were purchased before the announcement that the season would be played with replacement players.

In other baseball news, the top pitcher in the league, Joe Lee, announced that he will be leaving the first place Kansas City Royals. Lee, who was 7-0 with a 0.86 ERA has been one of the few bright spots in the Major Leagues this year. In a brief statement, Lee indicated that he has been receiving death threats, and was concerned with the safety of his family. He said that he regretted his decision to become a replacement player, despite the opportunity that was presented.

[glenn]

Washington, DC




At a press conference today, the American Baseball League was formally announced to the public. The founders of the National Baseball League and the unnamed league, who both previously announced leagues to compete with Major League Baseball have joined forces with the former player’s union. The American Baseball League is set to begin play in the 1974 season. Joe Foss, the former commissioner of the American Football League, Chub Feeney, former National League President, and Lee McPhail, former general manager for the New York Yankees will act as co-commissioners for the new league.

Today’s press conference featured all three co-commissioners along with a handful of former Major League Baseball players, including Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, Steve Carlton, and Yogi Berra. Details were scarce, but all three men promised that they have a strong base of committed owners and players, and guaranteed they would be the top professional baseball league in not only America, but the world. Additional details are scheduled to be revealed at a press conference on August 13th.

[glenn]

Major League Baseball was caught off guard by last week’s announcement of the American Baseball League. Commissioner Brown issued a statement that Major League Baseball was prepared for the challenge, if the American Baseball League ever plays a game on the field. “For 72 years, Major League Baseball has been the premier baseball league in the world. A press conference does not change that”, Brown stated.

Baseball fans may not have as much faith in Major League Baseball as the owners do. In a poll released today by the New York Times, 1000 baseball fans were asked which of the two competing leagues they would be supporting:

American Baseball League:..................18%
Major League Baseball:.......................12%
Will support both leagues:................... 5%
Will not support either league:.............41%
Undecided:......................................24 %

[glenn]

Trouble continued to mount for Major League Baseball. The replacement players for both the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros refused to take the field yesterday, and both teams were forced to forfeit. The city of New York also informed the New York Mets that they would not be renewing the Met’s Shea Stadium lease at the end of the season, and would be forced to find a new home. Baseball officials could not be reached for comment.

[glenn]

In a press conference from home plate at Shea Stadium, American Baseball League co-commissioner Lee McPhail announced that opening day for the ABL would be set for April 1st, 1974. The ABL would be divided into two leagues, the Eastern League, and the Western League. Each league would consist of two divisions of five teams in the inaugural year. 18 of the 20 owners have been accepted into the league. The league is currently finalizing negotiations with the remaining two owners. McPhail indicated that several potential owners have contacted the start up, and the league would look to accommodate additional teams in future seasons.

At this time, McPhail would not announce the cities were the league would play it’s games, until negotiations were finalized. McPhail confirmed recent reports that a team would be based in New York, and play their games at Shea Stadium. McPhail laid out a timeline for the remainder of the year, on when additional information would be released.

In September, the 20 cities will be announced. During the month of September, baseball fans in those cities and around the country will be allowed to vote on team nicknames. During October, the results of the voting will be announced, along with the schedule for the 1974 season. Season tickets, individual game tickets, and merchandise will go on sale during the month of October. In November, a random lottery will take place to determine the order of the inaugural draft. Players will have until November 15th to declare for the inaugural draft. In December, the American Baseball League will announce the league rules, including playoff format. The league rules, including minor league structure will be announced during December, and minor league tickets will go on sale at that time.

The inaugural draft will be held in January, with spring training set to kick off in February.

[glenn]

Major League Baseball declared bankruptcy today, and announced the league would cease operations effective immediately. A somber commissioner, Joe Brown, spoke to the press for a few minutes today, expressing regret for mistakes made by Major League Baseball during the past year. He announced that the Kansas City Royals would be named World Champion for the 1973 season, because they held the best record in baseball. Brown hoped that one day, baseball would be able to fully recover. Brown declined to answer any questions. The reign of Major League Baseball was over.

[glenn]

The American Baseball League announced the cities chosen for the inaugural 1974 season. The Eastern League will consist of ten teams split into two divisions.
East Division
Bronx
New York
Baltimore
Philadelphia
Boston

Central Division
Chicago
Chicago
Cincinatti
Detroit
St. Louis



The Western League will also consist of ten teams split into two divisions.

Southwest Division
Dallas
Houston
San Antonio
Austin
Fort Worth

West Division
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego
San Jose

Co-Commissioner Joe Foss acknowledged cities were strategically picked due to geographic proximity, and cities were chosen before Major League Baseball declared bankruptcy. He indicated that the league remains committed to the cities chosen, and would not be looking to expand into additional markets until at least one season was completed.