Arizona Winter League
Encyclopedia
The Arizona Winter League is the short-season instructional independent winter professional baseball league affiliated with the independent North American League
. Announced on November 15, 2006, and headquartered in Yuma, Arizona
by the Golden Baseball League
, which was the predecessor to the North American League, it is an independent
baseball league which consists of ten teams based out of the San Diego Padres
former spring training complex in Yuma. All Winter League games are played at Desert Sun Stadium
in Yuma, Arizona
. The league is utilized by free agent players looking to get signed and by players currently under pro contracts that want a competitive advantage and a month's headstart on spring training. It is the oldest, largest, and most successful winter development league in getting players signed to pro contracts.
and Yakult Swallows spring training
operations. The league is for players out of college or university and other players who are looking for professional contracts either from independent leagues, Minor League Baseball
or Major League Baseball
. It is an instructional winter league that includes a number of ex-major league stars as managers and instructors including Mike Marshall, Garry Templeton
, Ozzie Virgil Jr., Les Lancaster
, Darrell Evans
, and Cory Snyder
, most of whom manage independent league teams in the North American, American Association, and Frontier Leagues or are coaches in the minor league system for big league clubs. All the managers draft and sign players to pro contracts at the end of the AWL for their leagues and teams.
At the conclusion of each Arizona Winter League, the top players are drafted and signed to professional contracts for the upcoming summer season. In the first five years, over 225 players have left the AWL with professional contracts. Many with independent teams, but several with major league teams, European professional teams, and teams in Latin America and Asia. Two pitchers from the 2007 Arizona Winter League, Scott Richmond
and Sergio Romo
have reached the major leagues pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays
and San Francisco Giants
respectively in 2008.
, Snow Falcons, and Sonora Surf Dawgs, under GBL team management. These respective teams began using the logos, caps and uniforms of past GBL teams such as the San Diego Surf Dawgs
(Sonora), Mesa Miners
(Canada) and the Surprise Fightin' Falcons
(Snow) with the lone exception of the Scorpions, whose idenitity is the same as their GBL brethren.
The league was a surprising source of players for the GBL and major league organizations in its first season as 37 players were signed by independent pro teams and the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox also signed players out of the AWL as well.
For the 2008 season, the league added two expansion teams, the Blythe Heat
and Palm Springs Chill
, the Sonora Surf Dawgs reverted back to the previously-known San Diego Surf Dawgs
and the Snow Falcons were renamed the Sonora Pilots
. The Heat and Chill play their home games at respective California ballparks. In addition, the league expanded beyond its affiliation with the Golden Baseball League and had Can-Am League, Frontier League, Northern League, and American Association teams represented in the instructor ranks and eligible to draft players at the end of the AWL. Over 40 players were drafted and signed by independent, foreign professional, and major league organizations.
and the Saskatchewan Silver Sox
. In addition, the Sonora Pilots
did not return in 2009 and were replaced by Team Canada. The 2009 AWL started a new format with two divisions: The International Division had Team Canada, Western Canada, Saskatchewan, and San Luis, while the American Division comprised Palm Springs, San Diego, Blythe (defending champions), and Yuma. The 20-game season finished up on February 27 and then had a single-elimination semi-final between the top two teams from each Division. A championship game the next night, which is the winter highlight event in Yuma each year and heavily attended, pitted the semi-final winners in a winner-take-all game. A record 47 players were drafted and signed out of the 2009 AWL.
More heavily stocked than ever with pro team instructors and managers who will be signing players, the AWL in 2010 coaches from the Golden Baseball League, the Frontier League, the American Association, the Can-Am League, the Mexican Liga Del Norte, the Northern League, the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. Recognizable major league alumni working as instructors and player placement consultants include Mike Marshall, Garry Templeton, Cory Snyder, Tim Johnson, Boots Day, Les Lancaster, Brooks Carey, Brent Bowers, Ozzie Virgil and many more. Boston Red Sox scout Nick Belmonte and Detroit Tigers' hitting coordinator Dave Marcon will be running the spring training section of the league the first week.
On December 15th it was announced that Japanese female pitching sensation Eri Yoshida
, who became the first female professional pitcher in her home country last summer, will bring her sidearm knuckleball and participate in the 2010 AWL in hopes of attracting the attention of U.S. teams. This should be a tremendous benefit for all the players as the media attention and scout attendance should increase greatly.
On February 10, 2010 the New York Mets signed San Luis Atleticos shortstop Rylan Sandoval at the Arizona Winter League and the following week, the Mexico City Red Devils of the top Mexican League signed Yuma Scorpions catcher Ivan Villaescusa. On February 27th, the Calgary Vipers became the first team in history to win both the Golden Baseball League Championship and the Arizona Winter League Championship by beating San Luis, 8-1, in the championship game shortened to eight innings by rain. More impressive is that the team did this within one year.
A record number of 59 players were signed to contracts (not just invited to spring training) by 18 teams from independent, European, and Latin American professional leagues. In addition four players were signed by major league baseball organizations -- Rylan Sandoval (Mets), Brandon Fowler (Padres), Jay Broughton (Red Sox), and Andrew Snowdon (Phillies). During the summer of 2010 an additional 32 2010 AWL players that weren't drafted and signed at the AWL took advantage of the post-league AWL Placement Program and were signed and played professional baseball.
The smaller AWL sister league called the Arizona Summer League
had all 52 players signed and played for professional teams this season.
returned after a two year absence while the Long Beach Armada
moved from the Golden Baseball League and two new teams, the Arizona RoadRunners
and Team Mexico
, were added to replace the Calgary Vipers and San Luis Atleticos respectively. The Yuma Scorpions captured their third AWL title since the league's inception, continuing their run as the only team to win more than one championship.
The 2011 Arizona Winter League saw 57 players signed to professional contracts in the North American League, American Association, Can-AM, Frontier, and Pecos Leagues in the U.S. In addition, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox signed players out of the league and the Dutch, Italian, Liga Del Norte, Mexican League, and Japan Challenge League all signed players as well.
On July 20, 2011, the AWL's Facebook and Twitter pages unveiled the league's new logo (shown above) for the 2012 season and beyond by saying,
More may be added once the season begins.
* Clinched championship game spot
Championship
Yuma Scorpions
7, Canada Miners 6
* Clinched playoff game spot
Playoffs
* Clinched playoff game spot
* Clinched playoff game spot
* Clinched playoff game spot
North American League
The North American League is an independent baseball league that began play in the 2011 season...
. Announced on November 15, 2006, and headquartered in Yuma, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
by the Golden Baseball League
Golden Baseball League
The Golden Baseball League, based in San Ramon, California, was an independent baseball league. It later merged with the Northern League and the United Baseball League to form the North American League in the western United States, western Canada and Mexico....
, which was the predecessor to the North American League, it is an independent
Independent baseball
Independent baseball leagues are professional baseball organizations located in the United States and Canada. They are not operated in conjunction with either a Major League Baseball team or an affiliated minor league team. Being independent allows teams to be located close to major-league teams...
baseball league which consists of ten teams based out of the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
former spring training complex in Yuma. All Winter League games are played at Desert Sun Stadium
Desert Sun Stadium
Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,...
in Yuma, Arizona
Yuma, Arizona
Yuma is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state, and the population of the city was 77,515 at the 2000 census, with a 2008 Census Bureau estimated population of 90,041....
. The league is utilized by free agent players looking to get signed and by players currently under pro contracts that want a competitive advantage and a month's headstart on spring training. It is the oldest, largest, and most successful winter development league in getting players signed to pro contracts.
League format
The inaugural season consisted of a 21-game regular season, with the first and second place teams facing off in a one game playoff for the championship. All teams are based in the Yuma, Arizona area playing all games at Desert Sun Stadium and utilizing the Ray Kroc Complex which used to house the San Diego PadresSan Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
and Yakult Swallows spring training
Spring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
operations. The league is for players out of college or university and other players who are looking for professional contracts either from independent leagues, Minor League Baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
or Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. It is an instructional winter league that includes a number of ex-major league stars as managers and instructors including Mike Marshall, Garry Templeton
Garry Templeton
Garry Lewis Templeton, nicknamed "Jumpsteady", is a former shortstop in Major League Baseball who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets from 1976 to 1991...
, Ozzie Virgil Jr., Les Lancaster
Les Lancaster
Lester Lancaster , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1987–1993 and is currently the manager of the Sioux City Explorers....
, Darrell Evans
Darrell Evans
Darrell Wayne Evans is a former third baseman and first baseman in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves , San Francisco Giants and Detroit Tigers . He is also the former manager and director of player personnel for the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball...
, and Cory Snyder
Cory Snyder
James Cory Snyder is a former Major League Baseball player for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1986 to 1994. Snyder's best season came in 1987 with the Indians when he hit 33 home runs and had 82 runs batted in...
, most of whom manage independent league teams in the North American, American Association, and Frontier Leagues or are coaches in the minor league system for big league clubs. All the managers draft and sign players to pro contracts at the end of the AWL for their leagues and teams.
At the conclusion of each Arizona Winter League, the top players are drafted and signed to professional contracts for the upcoming summer season. In the first five years, over 225 players have left the AWL with professional contracts. Many with independent teams, but several with major league teams, European professional teams, and teams in Latin America and Asia. Two pitchers from the 2007 Arizona Winter League, Scott Richmond
Scott Richmond
Scott Daniel Richmond is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball...
and Sergio Romo
Sergio Romo
Sergio Francisco Romo is a American right-handed professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League baseball.-Early life:Romo was born in Brawley, California to Mexican immigrant parents...
have reached the major leagues pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
and San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
respectively in 2008.
2007: Debut Season
The Arizona Winter League debuted January 19, 2007, with four charter teams: the Canada Miners, Yuma ScorpionsYuma Scorpions
The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
, Snow Falcons, and Sonora Surf Dawgs, under GBL team management. These respective teams began using the logos, caps and uniforms of past GBL teams such as the San Diego Surf Dawgs
San Diego Surf Dawgs
The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,...
(Sonora), Mesa Miners
Mesa Miners
The Mesa Miners are an independent professional baseball team that is based in Mesa, Arizona. They began as a member of the Arizona Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League in 2005...
(Canada) and the Surprise Fightin' Falcons
Surprise Fightin' Falcons
The Surprise Fightin' Falcons are an inactive professional baseball team based in Surprise, Arizona. They played in the Arizona Division of the independent Golden Baseball League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
(Snow) with the lone exception of the Scorpions, whose idenitity is the same as their GBL brethren.
The league was a surprising source of players for the GBL and major league organizations in its first season as 37 players were signed by independent pro teams and the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox also signed players out of the AWL as well.
2008 Season
Blythe Heat
The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe...
and Palm Springs Chill
Palm Springs Chill
The Palm Springs Chill are an independent baseball team based in Palm Springs, California. They are co-owned by the Palm Springs Power and play their home games at Palm Springs Stadium...
, the Sonora Surf Dawgs reverted back to the previously-known San Diego Surf Dawgs
San Diego Surf Dawgs
The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,...
and the Snow Falcons were renamed the Sonora Pilots
Sonora Pilots
The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play...
. The Heat and Chill play their home games at respective California ballparks. In addition, the league expanded beyond its affiliation with the Golden Baseball League and had Can-Am League, Frontier League, Northern League, and American Association teams represented in the instructor ranks and eligible to draft players at the end of the AWL. Over 40 players were drafted and signed by independent, foreign professional, and major league organizations.
2009 Season: Format Change
For the 2009 season, the league expanded once again and added two more teams, the San Luis AtleticosSan Luis Atleticos
The San Luis Atleticos are a professional independent baseball team based in San Luis, Arizona, representing that city and Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the Golden Baseball League and play in the...
and the Saskatchewan Silver Sox
Saskatchewan Silver Sox
The Saskatchewan Silver Sox are an independent professional baseball team based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and compete in the International...
. In addition, the Sonora Pilots
Sonora Pilots
The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play...
did not return in 2009 and were replaced by Team Canada. The 2009 AWL started a new format with two divisions: The International Division had Team Canada, Western Canada, Saskatchewan, and San Luis, while the American Division comprised Palm Springs, San Diego, Blythe (defending champions), and Yuma. The 20-game season finished up on February 27 and then had a single-elimination semi-final between the top two teams from each Division. A championship game the next night, which is the winter highlight event in Yuma each year and heavily attended, pitted the semi-final winners in a winner-take-all game. A record 47 players were drafted and signed out of the 2009 AWL.
2010 Season -- Record Player Signings and MLB Teams Take Notice
For the 2010 season, eight teams return once again to the AWL. With the Golden Baseball League's Calgary Vipers replacing the Palm Springs Chill, who were dropped. The league will now feature an American Division consisting of the Yuma Scorpions, Blythe Heat, San Luis Atleticos, and San Diego Surf Dawgs. In addition, a full Canadian Division will feature the Vipers, Team Canada, the Western Canada Miners, and the Saskatchewan Silver Sox. The El Centro Imperials were also dropped.More heavily stocked than ever with pro team instructors and managers who will be signing players, the AWL in 2010 coaches from the Golden Baseball League, the Frontier League, the American Association, the Can-Am League, the Mexican Liga Del Norte, the Northern League, the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. Recognizable major league alumni working as instructors and player placement consultants include Mike Marshall, Garry Templeton, Cory Snyder, Tim Johnson, Boots Day, Les Lancaster, Brooks Carey, Brent Bowers, Ozzie Virgil and many more. Boston Red Sox scout Nick Belmonte and Detroit Tigers' hitting coordinator Dave Marcon will be running the spring training section of the league the first week.
On December 15th it was announced that Japanese female pitching sensation Eri Yoshida
Eri Yoshida
is a high-school student at Kawasaki-kita Senior High School in Kawasaki, who at the age of 16 became the first female drafted by a Japanese professional baseball team, Kobe 9 Cruise of Kansai Independent Baseball League, to play alongside male teammates....
, who became the first female professional pitcher in her home country last summer, will bring her sidearm knuckleball and participate in the 2010 AWL in hopes of attracting the attention of U.S. teams. This should be a tremendous benefit for all the players as the media attention and scout attendance should increase greatly.
On February 10, 2010 the New York Mets signed San Luis Atleticos shortstop Rylan Sandoval at the Arizona Winter League and the following week, the Mexico City Red Devils of the top Mexican League signed Yuma Scorpions catcher Ivan Villaescusa. On February 27th, the Calgary Vipers became the first team in history to win both the Golden Baseball League Championship and the Arizona Winter League Championship by beating San Luis, 8-1, in the championship game shortened to eight innings by rain. More impressive is that the team did this within one year.
A record number of 59 players were signed to contracts (not just invited to spring training) by 18 teams from independent, European, and Latin American professional leagues. In addition four players were signed by major league baseball organizations -- Rylan Sandoval (Mets), Brandon Fowler (Padres), Jay Broughton (Red Sox), and Andrew Snowdon (Phillies). During the summer of 2010 an additional 32 2010 AWL players that weren't drafted and signed at the AWL took advantage of the post-league AWL Placement Program and were signed and played professional baseball.
The smaller AWL sister league called the Arizona Summer League
Arizona Summer League
The Arizona Summer League is a short-season instructional summer professional baseball league affiliated with the independent North American League...
had all 52 players signed and played for professional teams this season.
2011: New teams arrive and league expands to 10
The AWL announced on January 5, 2011, their upcoming season schedule which shows that league expanding to ten teams as the Texas Winter League was folded into the AWL, adding three new teams and bringing one back. The Sonora PilotsSonora Pilots
The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play...
returned after a two year absence while the Long Beach Armada
Long Beach Armada
The Long Beach Armada was an independent professional baseball team based in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The Armada was a member of the North Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League, which was not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
moved from the Golden Baseball League and two new teams, the Arizona RoadRunners
Arizona RoadRunners
The Arizona RoadRunners are a professional baseball team based out of Yuma, Arizona and are currently a member of the American Division of the Arizona Winter League, a short-season developmental program run by the North American League...
and Team Mexico
Team Mexico (Arizona Winter League baseball team)
Team Mexico is a professional independent baseball team representing Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and play in the International Division along with the Saskatchewan Silver Sox,...
, were added to replace the Calgary Vipers and San Luis Atleticos respectively. The Yuma Scorpions captured their third AWL title since the league's inception, continuing their run as the only team to win more than one championship.
The 2011 Arizona Winter League saw 57 players signed to professional contracts in the North American League, American Association, Can-AM, Frontier, and Pecos Leagues in the U.S. In addition, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox signed players out of the league and the Dutch, Italian, Liga Del Norte, Mexican League, and Japan Challenge League all signed players as well.
On July 20, 2011, the AWL's Facebook and Twitter pages unveiled the league's new logo (shown above) for the 2012 season and beyond by saying,
2011 Arizona Winter League teams
| Arizona Winter League | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Team | Founded | City | Winter Stadium | |
| American | Arizona RoadRunners Arizona RoadRunners The Arizona RoadRunners are a professional baseball team based out of Yuma, Arizona and are currently a member of the American Division of the Arizona Winter League, a short-season developmental program run by the North American League... |
2011 | Yuma, Arizona Yuma, Arizona Yuma is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state, and the population of the city was 77,515 at the 2000 census, with a 2008 Census Bureau estimated population of 90,041.... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... |
|
| Blythe Heat Blythe Heat The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe... |
2008 | Blythe, California Blythe, California Blythe is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, in the "Palo Verde Valley" of the Lower Colorado River Valley region, an agricultural area and part of the Colorado Desert along the Colorado River. Blythe was named after Thomas Blythe, a gold prospector who established primary... |
Alexander Field | ||
| Long Beach Armada Long Beach Armada The Long Beach Armada was an independent professional baseball team based in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The Armada was a member of the North Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League, which was not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball... |
2005 (with GBL) | Long Beach, California Long Beach, California Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
| San Diego Surf Dawgs San Diego Surf Dawgs The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,... |
2005 (with GBL) | San Diego, California San Diego, California San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
| Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
2005 (with GBL) | Yuma, Arizona Yuma, Arizona Yuma is a city in and the county seat of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. It is located in the southwestern corner of the state, and the population of the city was 77,515 at the 2000 census, with a 2008 Census Bureau estimated population of 90,041.... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... |
||
| Division | Team | Founded | City | Winter Stadium | |
| International | Saskatchewan Silver Sox Saskatchewan Silver Sox The Saskatchewan Silver Sox are an independent professional baseball team based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and compete in the International... |
2009 | Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Saskatchewan is a prairie province in Canada, which has an area of . Saskatchewan is bordered on the west by Alberta, on the north by the Northwest Territories, on the east by Manitoba, and on the south by the U.S. states of Montana and North Dakota.... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
|
| Sonora Pilots Sonora Pilots The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play... |
2007 | Sonora, Mexico | Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
| Team Canada Team Canada (baseball) Team Canada is a professional independent baseball team representing Canada. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, short-season instructional leagues affiliated with the North American League. The team is owned by Diamond Sports & Entertainment and have... |
2009 | Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
| Team Mexico Team Mexico (Arizona Winter League baseball team) Team Mexico is a professional independent baseball team representing Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and play in the International Division along with the Saskatchewan Silver Sox,... |
2011 | Mexico Mexico The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
| Western Canada Miners Western Canada Miners The Western Canada Miners are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, and representing western Canada... |
2007 | Western Canada Western Canada Western Canada, also referred to as the Western provinces and commonly as the West, is a region of Canada that includes the four provinces west of the province of Ontario.- Provinces :... |
Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium Desert Sun Stadium is a stadium in Yuma, Arizona. It is primarily used for baseball, and is the home field of the North American League's Yuma Scorpions minor league baseball team and plays host to the Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League. The stadium, which originally opened in 1969,... (Yuma) |
||
Defunct/Inactive Teams
- Calgary VipersCalgary VipersThe Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from...
(2010) - El Centro ImperialsEl Centro ImperialsThe El Centro Imperials are an inactive independent professional baseball team based out of El Centro, California. Founded in 1947 and revived on April 3, 2009, the Imperials were introduced as one of the four charter members of the new Arizona Summer League, an instructional summer professional...
(Arizona Summer LeagueArizona Summer LeagueThe Arizona Summer League is a short-season instructional summer professional baseball league affiliated with the independent North American League...
team, rumored but never played in the AWL) - Palm Springs ChillPalm Springs ChillThe Palm Springs Chill are an independent baseball team based in Palm Springs, California. They are co-owned by the Palm Springs Power and play their home games at Palm Springs Stadium...
(2008-2009, now with the California Winter LeagueCalifornia Winter League (2010)The California Winter League is a developmental instructional league based out of Palm Springs, California that is a showcase tryout opportunity for players hoping to get noticed by professional teams. It was founded on September 10, 2009, by Andrew Starke, owner of the Palm Springs Chill and the...
) - San Luis AtleticosSan Luis AtleticosThe San Luis Atleticos are a professional independent baseball team based in San Luis, Arizona, representing that city and Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the Golden Baseball League and play in the...
(2009-2010)
League Alumni
In five seasons over 220 AWL players have been signed to professional contracts. They have been signed by every independent pro league in the U.S.; foreign leagues in Mexico, Italy, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Holland, and Denmark; and by major league organizations including the Orioles, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Phillies, Giants, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Mets and Royals. Two AWL players have made it all the way to the major leagues, they were both from the 2007 AWL:- Sergio RomoSergio RomoSergio Francisco Romo is a American right-handed professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League baseball.-Early life:Romo was born in Brawley, California to Mexican immigrant parents...
- Scott RichmondScott RichmondScott Daniel Richmond is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball...
Draft
Pro Independent League teams that will be participating in the Arizona Winter League draft this year include:- Calgary VipersCalgary VipersThe Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from...
(North American League) - Chico OutlawsChico OutlawsThe Chico Outlaws are a professional baseball team based in Chico, California, in the United States. The Outlaws are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League, which is not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball...
(North American League) - Edmonton CapitalsEdmonton CapitalsThe Edmonton Capitals are a professional baseball team based in Edmonton, Alberta. Known originally as the Edmonton Cracker-Cats, they began play in the Northern League in 2005 before switching to the Golden Baseball League in 2008. The team was sold to Daryl Katz in 2009, after which the team was...
(North American League) - Kansas City T-BonesKansas City T-BonesThe Kansas City T-Bones are a professional baseball team based in Kansas City, Kansas, in the United States. The T-Bones are a member of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
(American Association) - Na Ikaika Koa Maui (North American League)
- Orange County Flyers (North American League)
- Rockford RiverhawksRockford RiverHawksThe Rockford RiverHawks are a professional baseball team based in the Rockford, Illinois suburb of Loves Park, in the United States. Currently, the RiverHawks are a member of the Frontier League, which they previously played in from 2002 until 2009. From the 2002 season to 2005, the RiverHawks'...
(North American League) - Tucson TorosTucson TorosThe Tucson Toros are a professional baseball team based in Tucson, Arizona, in the United States. They are owned by Tucson Baseball, LLC with Jay Zucker as chairman of the board. Sean Smock is the team's general manager....
(North American League) - Yuma ScorpionsYuma ScorpionsThe Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
(North American League) - Sussex SkyhawksSussex SkyhawksThe Sussex Skyhawks were a professional baseball team that played at Skylands Park in Augusta, New Jersey. The team was part of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent minor baseball league also referred to as the Can-Am League, from their inaugural season in 2006...
(Can-Am League) - Florence FreedomFlorence FreedomThe Florence Freedom are a professional baseball team based in the Northern Kentucky city of Florence, located near the city of Cincinnati. The Freedom are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League, an independent baseball league...
(Frontier League) - Normal CornbeltersNormal CornBeltersThe Normal CornBelters are a professional baseball team based in Normal, Illinois, which is part of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. They began play in May 2010 as a member of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
(Frontier League) - Fort Worth CatsFort Worth CatsThe Fort Worth Cats are a professional baseball team based in Fort Worth, Texas, in the United States. The Cats are a member of the South Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. Since the 2002 season the Cats...
(American Association) - Sioux City ExplorersSioux City ExplorersThe Sioux City Explorers are a professional baseball team based in Sioux City, Iowa, in the United States. The Explorers are a member of the North Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball.They were originally to be...
(American Association) - San Luis Algodoneros (Mexican Liga Del Norte)
More may be added once the season begins.
2007
Final Standings| Winter League | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
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| *Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
13 | 8 | .619 | --- | |
| *Canada Miners | 13 | 8 | .619 | --- | |
| Sonora Surf Dawgs | 10 | 11 | .476 | 3 | |
| Snow Falcons | 6 | 15 | .286 | 7 |
* Clinched championship game spot
Championship
Yuma Scorpions
Yuma Scorpions
The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
7, Canada Miners 6
2008
Final Standings| Winter League | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|||||
| *Palm Springs Chill Palm Springs Chill The Palm Springs Chill are an independent baseball team based in Palm Springs, California. They are co-owned by the Palm Springs Power and play their home games at Palm Springs Stadium... |
15 | 4 | .789 | --- | |
| *Canada Miners | 11 | 8 | .579 | 4 | |
| *San Diego Surf Dawgs San Diego Surf Dawgs The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,... |
10 | 9 | .526 | 5 | |
| *Blythe Heat Blythe Heat The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe... |
8 | 11 | .421 | 11 | |
| Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
8 | 11 | .421 | 11 | |
| Sonora Pilots Sonora Pilots The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play... |
5 | 14 | .263 | 14 |
* Clinched playoff game spot
Playoffs
2009
Final Standings| American Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||||
| *Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
15 | 5 | .750 | --- | |
| *Palm Springs Chill Palm Springs Chill The Palm Springs Chill are an independent baseball team based in Palm Springs, California. They are co-owned by the Palm Springs Power and play their home games at Palm Springs Stadium... |
12 | 8 | .600 | 1.5 | |
| Blythe Heat Blythe Heat The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe... |
8 | 12 | .400 | 3.5 | |
| San Diego Surf Dawgs San Diego Surf Dawgs The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,... |
7 | 13 | .350 | 4 |
| International Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||||
| *San Luis Atleticos San Luis Atleticos The San Luis Atleticos are a professional independent baseball team based in San Luis, Arizona, representing that city and Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the Golden Baseball League and play in the... |
14 | 6 | .700 | --- | |
| *Saskatchewan Silver Sox Saskatchewan Silver Sox The Saskatchewan Silver Sox are an independent professional baseball team based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and compete in the International... |
10 | 10 | .500 | 2 | |
| Team Canada Team Canada (baseball) Team Canada is a professional independent baseball team representing Canada. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, short-season instructional leagues affiliated with the North American League. The team is owned by Diamond Sports & Entertainment and have... |
8 | 12 | .400 | 3 | |
| Western Canada Miners Western Canada Miners The Western Canada Miners are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, and representing western Canada... |
6 | 14 | .300 | 4 |
* Clinched playoff game spot
2010
Final Standings| American Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|||||
| *Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
12 | 8 | .595 | --- | |
| *San Luis Atleticos San Luis Atleticos The San Luis Atleticos are a professional independent baseball team based in San Luis, Arizona, representing that city and Mexico. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the Golden Baseball League and play in the... |
13 | 9 | .591 | --- | |
| San Diego Surf Dawgs San Diego Surf Dawgs The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,... |
10 | 9 | .525 | 1.5 | |
| Blythe Heat Blythe Heat The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe... |
10 | 10 | .500 | 2 |
| Canadian Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||||
| *Calgary Vipers Calgary Vipers The Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from... |
13 | 9 | .591 | --- | |
| *Saskatchewan Silver Sox Saskatchewan Silver Sox The Saskatchewan Silver Sox are an independent professional baseball team based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and compete in the International... |
9 | 12 | .429 | 3.5 | |
| Western Canada Miners Western Canada Miners The Western Canada Miners are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, and representing western Canada... |
8 | 12 | .400 | 4 | |
| Team Canada Team Canada (baseball) Team Canada is a professional independent baseball team representing Canada. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, short-season instructional leagues affiliated with the North American League. The team is owned by Diamond Sports & Entertainment and have... |
7 | 13 | .350 | 5 |
* Clinched playoff game spot
2011
Final Standings| American Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|||||
| *Yuma Scorpions Yuma Scorpions The Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the... |
11 | 6 | .647 | --- | |
| *Blythe Heat Blythe Heat The Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe... |
7 | 9 | .438 | 3.5 | |
| Long Beach Armada Long Beach Armada The Long Beach Armada was an independent professional baseball team based in Long Beach, California, in the United States. The Armada was a member of the North Division of the now-defunct Golden Baseball League, which was not affiliated with either Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball... |
6 | 9 | .400 | 4 | |
| Arizona Roadrunners Arizona RoadRunners The Arizona RoadRunners are a professional baseball team based out of Yuma, Arizona and are currently a member of the American Division of the Arizona Winter League, a short-season developmental program run by the North American League... |
4 | 11 | .267 | 6 | |
| San Diego Surf Dawgs San Diego Surf Dawgs The San Diego Surf Dawgs are an independent professional baseball team representing San Diego, California, that play in the short-season instructional Arizona Winter League and Arizona Summer League, based out of Yuma, Arizona. They played for two seasons in the now-defunct Golden Baseball League,... |
4 | 11 | .267 | 6 |
| International Division | Team | W | L | Win % | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |
|||||
| *Saskatchewan Silver Sox Saskatchewan Silver Sox The Saskatchewan Silver Sox are an independent professional baseball team based in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. They play in the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League and compete in the International... |
11 | 5 | .688 | --- | |
| *Team Canada | 12 | 6 | .667 | --- | |
| Western Canada Miners Western Canada Miners The Western Canada Miners are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, and representing western Canada... |
10 | 6 | .625 | 1 | |
| Sonora Pilots Sonora Pilots The Sonora Pilots are a professional independent baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona and represent Sonora, Mexico. They play in the International Division of the developmental Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league sanctioned by the North American League and they play... |
9 | 8 | .529 | 1.5 | |
| Team Mexico Team Mexico Team Mexico is a professional wrestling stable that was first formed in 2004 to compete in TNA Wrestling's America's X-Cup Tournament and has since returned to compete in other TNA X Cup Tournaments.-2004:... |
6 | 9 | .450 | 4.5 |
* Clinched playoff game spot
AWL Champions
- 2007, Yuma ScorpionsYuma ScorpionsThe Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
- 2008, Blythe HeatBlythe HeatThe Blythe Heat are a professional baseball team based in Blythe, California. They play in the Arizona Winter League, a short-season instructional winter league affiliated with the North American League. They began play in 2007 and play their home games at Alexander Field in Blythe...
- 2009, Yuma ScorpionsYuma ScorpionsThe Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
- 2010, Calgary VipersCalgary VipersThe Calgary Vipers were a professional baseball team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They were part of the Western Division of the independent North American League. The Vipers have played all of their home games at Foothills Stadium. Previously, the Vipers played in the Northern League from...
- 2011, Yuma ScorpionsYuma ScorpionsThe Yuma Scorpions are a professional baseball team based in Yuma, Arizona, in the United States. The Scorpions are a member of the Western Division of the independent North American League. From the 2005 season to the present, the Scorpions have played their home games at Desert Sun Stadium at the...
External links
- Arizona Winter League
- Golden Baseball League
- The Yuma Sun (local newspaper covering the AWL)