Triple A Minor League

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Wikipedia - Triple-A (baseball)

Triple-A (officially Class AAA) has been the highest level of play in Minor League Baseball in the United States since 1946. Currently, two leagues operate at the Triple-A level, the International League (IL) and the Pacific Coast League (PCL). There are 30 teams, one per each Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, with 20 in the IL and 10 in the PCL. Triple-A teams are generally located in smaller cities who do not have major sports league teams such as Syracuse, Toledo, Reno and Omaha as well as larger metropolitan areas without MLB teams that may also have teams in other major sports leagues, such as Austin, Jacksonville, Columbus, Buffalo, and Indianapolis. Four Triple-A teams play in the same metro areas as their parent clubs.

All current Triple-A teams are located in the United States; before 2008, some Triple-A leagues also fielded teams in Canada, and from 1967 to 2020 the Mexican League was classified as Triple-A. Reasons for the relocation of these teams were solely because of costs and attendance. Other than the current two Triple-A leagues, only three other leagues have ever held the classification.

History

Jackie Robinson, then with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in July 1946

Prior to 1946, the top level of Minor League Baseball was Double-A, which had been established in 1912. The Triple-A classification was created before the 1946 season, and began with all three leagues then in Double-A moving up to the new level:

  • American Association (AA)
  • International League (IL)
  • Pacific Coast League (PCL)

This structure persisted for the next 75 years with only a few changes:

  • 1952–1957: The PCL was classified as "Open" for these six seasons, in anticipation of it potentially becoming a third major league; once the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants relocated from New York City to California, the PCL returned to Triple-A for the 1958 season.
  • 1963–1968: The AA did not operate during these six seasons.
  • 1967: The Mexican League received Triple-A classification; it had previously been Double-A since 1955
  • 1979: The Inter-American League debuted with a Triple-A classification; the league disbanded in June
  • 1998: Teams from the AA, which disbanded after the 1997 season, were added to the PCL and IL

The IL, PCL, and Mexican League continued as Triple-A leagues until Major League Baseball reorganized the minor leagues prior to the 2021 season. At that time, the IL and PCL were temporarily renamed Triple-A East and Triple-A West, respectively. The Mexican League continues to operate, independently. Following MLB's acquisition of the rights to the names of the historical minor leagues, they announced on March 16, 2022, that the leagues would once again be called the International League and the Pacific Coast League, effective with the 2022 season.

Countries

While all current and the majority of past Triple-A teams have been located in the United States, Triple-A teams have also been based in:

  • Canada: teams including the Montreal Royals and Ottawa Lynx of the IL and the Calgary Cannons, Edmonton Trappers, and Vancouver Mounties of the PCL
  • Cuba: the Havana Sugar Kings were members of the IL from 1954 to 1960
  • Dominican Republic: the short-lived Inter-American League had a team based here in 1979
  • Mexico: all Mexican League teams
  • Panama: one Inter-American League team in 1979
  • Venezuela: two Inter-American League teams in 1979
**Triple A Minor League Baseball Tournament**

Welcome to the Triple A Minor League Baseball Tournament, an exciting showcase of emerging talent and competitive spirit! This annual event brings together the best minor league teams from across the country, providing a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game.

**Event Highlights:**

- **Competitive Matchups:** Watch as top-tier minor league teams battle it out in a series of thrilling games, each striving for victory and the chance to advance in the tournament. The level of play is intense, with players showcasing their abilities in hopes of making it to the major leagues.

- **Future Stars:** The Triple A Minor League is known for being a stepping stone to the big leagues. Fans will have the opportunity to see future baseball stars in action, as many players in this league are on the cusp of making their Major League Baseball debut.

- **Family-Friendly Atmosphere:** The tournament is designed to be a fun-filled experience for fans of all ages. Enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including food vendors, interactive games, and activities for kids, making it a perfect outing for families.

- **Community Engagement:** The tournament emphasizes community involvement, with local organizations and businesses participating in various events and activities. Fans can expect to see special promotions, giveaways, and opportunities to meet players and coaches.

- **Scouting Opportunities:** For scouts and baseball enthusiasts, this tournament serves as a prime opportunity to evaluate talent and discover the next generation of baseball stars.

Join us for the Triple A Minor League Baseball Tournament, where passion meets competition, and every game is a chance to witness the future of baseball unfold! Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this tournament promises unforgettable moments and thrilling baseball action. Don’t miss out on the excitement!