Minor League Monday: Common Questions
After months of minor league articles, I wanted to take some time and recap a few things to make sure everybody is caught up and up to speed. It was a very interesting couple of months, and I know I've learned a lot. Today, I'll share common questions and answers that most baseball fans might not know about the minor leagues.
How many different minor leagues are there?
7 total, in order of lowest to highest: Foreign Rookie and Rookie league, then 3 A class leagues: short season, class A and Advanced. Then AA and AAA.
How many minor league teams does each major league baseball team have?
That can vary on the franchise. For example, the Twins have 7, one team per league; which is a bit to be expected. The Cubs have 9, as they have two teams apiece in each of the rookie leagues. Why the extra teams, I'm not sure. Perhaps it is strategy, or just the bigger market teams having more money.
Who owns minor league teams?
This varies. Most teams are independently owned. Some are owned by major league franchises. The independents sign multi-year player development contracts with major league teams to become affiliates
Who pays minor league players?
The major league baseball club. Minor league front offices do not pay players.
Why are minor league players paid so little?
Not sure. likely because few minor league players actually work their way up through the system and become actual major league players. Out of an estimated 150 MiLB players, only 10-20 will be called up in a given year. So likely its a simple cost-> benefit that people with degrees in financing have worked out. I don't understand it.
Where does a minor league team's coaching staff come from?
They are hired by the major league club and assigned from there. That's why minor league coaches can bounce from league to league at times.
What might minor league teams do if baseball games aren't being played?
It's going to be rough. They are looking to host events in any way they can, to use their facilities. In some ways, the pandemic is forcing minor league front offices to get very creative to keep money coming in.
Eugene Emeralds developed a community sewing project that distributed thousands of masks
South Bend Cubs are hosting an evening at the ballpark events on Friday nights
Myrtle Beach Pelicans have been hosting a happy hour.
Tennessee smokies have been hosting high school baseball games
Iowa Cubs are hosting a father's day event at their ballpark where you can play catch on the field.