Australian Baseball League
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ABL Champions | |
 |
|
| ABL Champions | |
|---|---|
| 1989-90 | Waverley Reds |
| 1990-91 | Perth Heat |
| 1991-92 | Daikyo Dolphins |
| 1992-93 | Melbourne Monarchs |
| 1993-94 | Brisbane Bandits |
| 1994-95 | Waverley Reds |
| 1995-96 | Sydney Blues |
| 1996-97 | Perth Heat |
| 1997-98 | Melbourne Reds |
| 1998-99 | Gold Coast Cougars |
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) was founded after the 1988 Claxton Shield, in summer of 1989/90 the new League took to the field, with the Waverley Reds being the dominant team of the season.
Contents |
[edit] The Claxton Shield
see main article Claxton Shield
Before the establishment of the Australian Baseball League the Claxton Shield was Australia's premier Baseball tournament since its establishment in 1934.
In 1987 the idea was first conceived to create at Australian Baseball League, this was believed to be caused by the success of Australia's National Basketball League. The final Claxton Shield was held by the Auburn Baseball Club in New South Wales at their home ground of Oriole Park. Auburn funded all visiting teams’ fares and accommodation with the expectation of making the money back through gate takings and increased revenue at the Social Club located at the park.
After the 1988 Claxton Shield the ABL was formed, consisting of 8 teams from around Australia.
[edit] Australian Baseball League of the 1990s
The league consisted of between 6 and 9 teams over the 10 years, with its highest point in 1995 with 9 teams competing. Championships were decided by a top two 5 game play off series for the first 3 seasons before changing to a top 4 play off series with winners advancing to the championship series.
- 1989-90
The Australian Baseball League formally got underway in October 1989, representing Australia's first professional "major league". Officially, the first ABL game was contested between Perth Heat and Adelaide Giants at Parry Field in Perth on 27 October 1989, with the Giants winning 8-5. The inaugural season was dominated by the Waverley Reds a record of 34 wins and 6 losses, only losing 2 games at home from 19 starts, taking out the Championship series 3 games to 1 against cross town rivals the Melbourne Monarchs.
- 1990-91
Won by the Perth Heat.
- 1991-92
Won by the Daikyo Dolphins.
- 1992-93
Won by the Melbourne Monarchs.
- 1993-94
Won by the Brisbane Bandits.
- 1994-95
Won by the Waverley Reds.
- 1995-96
Won by the Sydney Blues.
- 1996-97
Won by the Perth Heat.
- 1997-98
Won by the Melbourne Reds.
- 1998-99
The final ABL Championship was taken out by the Gold Coast Cougars, after the Adelaide Giants dominated the entire season to finish on top.
Due to mounting debts the ABL was sold off to Australian Baseballer David Nilsson who formed the International Baseball League of Australia.
[edit] New Australian Baseball League for 2007
A new Australian Baseball League will commence in November 2007, the Australian Baseball Federation in conjunction with Major League Baseball plan to commence a new National Baseball League in November 2007[1]. The league will be initially made up of 6 teams from around Australia with one from each of the main land states and the Australian Provincial team being based in Canberra[2]. Each team in the new league will align itself with a Major League Club, in a similar set up as the now defunct league.
The initial season will commence in November 2007 and finish in February 2008, before extending to a 6 month season in the second year[3]. Fox Sports has expressed its interest in televising the new league[citation needed].
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Chris Egan. "Australia to get a new Baseball League in November 2007", www.austadiums.com, 2006-10-17.
- ^ Chris Egan. "Australia to get a new Baseball League in November 2007", www.austadiums.com, 2006-10-17.
- ^ Chris Egan. "Australia to get a new Baseball League in November 2007", www.austadiums.com, 2006-10-17.
[edit] External links
- The Australian Baseball League: 1989-1999
- Australian National Baseball after the ABL
- Australian Baseball Links
- Background of Australian Baseball
- AMLB
| Australian Baseball League Australian Baseball Federation | Claxton Shield | International Baseball League of Australia ABL Seasons: 1989-90 | 1990-91 | 1991-92 | 1992-93 | 1993-94 | 1994-95 | 1995-96 | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 2007-08 |
|---|
|
Adelaide Team | Australian Privincial | Melbourne Team | Perth Heat | Queensland Team | Sydney Team |
