Does anyone have any info about this new Australian baseball league?

[Aus Baseball Fan]

I do agree, the IBAF should work around MLB. After all, the MLB has the world's best players. Like it has been stated as well, the IBAF has plenty of notice to schedule games, and knows when the MLB season is going to be.

Now, regarding the Australian Baseball League. Has anyone got any new news? I keep reading there is going to be a new league and it never happens. So what's the deal? Please.

[twinsfan09]

Now, regarding the Australian Baseball League. Has anyone got any new news? I keep reading there is going to be a new league and it never happens. So what's the deal? Please.

I'm not sure if this is a different competition or not but this might help http://www.baseball.com.au/default.asp?Page=37821

[brewcrew82]

The Claxton Shield is a different competition to the League that has been planned for the last few years.
It doesn't sound like the ABL will start up again in 2008 either.

[Westie]

the MLB based AUST league has been a very large story for a LONG time over here....

every year we are told this

"the AUST league is going to be starting up next season"

we're all still waiting......

the bottom line is this, MLB do NOT get enough interest or players of the MLB level playing out here to fund a complete league.

[DownUnderDodger]

Still nothing about an Australian League. In fact the Claxton Shield has been launched for this season with the following from the Australian baseball Federation website:

The 2009 Claxton Shield was officially launched in Sydney on 23 October, in conjunction with Major League Baseball and the American Australian Association's World Series Watch Party.

Celebrating a 75 year milestone in 2009, Australia’s oldest and most prestigious baseball competition will herald an unprecedented format that many see as a vital step towards a revamped national competition.

To celebrate the 75th, or ‘Diamond’ Anniversary of the Claxton Shield, the Australian Baseball Federation will select and announce a Claxton Shield ‘Diamond Anniversary All-Star Team’.

Regarding the 'unprecedented format that many see as a vital step towards a revamped national competition', here is a link to the media release for the tournament.....not sure which media took it on board because I did not see anything in our daily newspaper.

http://www.baseball.com.au/?Page=47684&MenuID=Events%2F95%2F0%2F%2CClaxton%5FShield%2F21613%2F20767%2F%2CNEWS%2F21731%2F0%2F0

Here is the link to the schedule for the 2009 Claxton Shield:

http://www.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/abf/downloads/2009%20Claxton%20Shield/2009%20Claxton%20Shield%20Schedule_FINAL.pdf

[DownUnderDodger]

The Australian Claxton Shield Showcase Round starts in less than a week. Here is a link to this week of baseball, being held in Sydney. Note the reference to the Family Day / MLB Roadshow to be held on the final day of the week. Unfortunately I will be in Newcastle to commentate a Surf Boat event otherwise I would check it out.

http://www.baseball.com.au/event.asp?ID=15067&format=popup

[Richard]

Apparently, a new Australian national league will be started soon. I saw the story on ibaf.com.

[NattyBaller]

http://www.radiosport.co.nz/SportsNews/spspo/Detail.aspx?id=159591

Nice to know expansion is on the horizon

[Richard]

They want baseball facilities this time instead of playing on rugby or Australian rules football fields like they did in the past. Eventually the league may include some Asian cities. Let's hope it grows.

[NattyBaller]

I read somewhere that the time might include teams in Asia. Though travel costs and whatnot make me dubious, it would be cool if they had a team in Jakarta or something.