What is Independent Baseball?
Major League Baseball isn’t the only professional baseball league in the United States.
Baseball is a sport of dreams.
Just because someone isn’t good enough to play in the Major Leagues doesn’t mean those dreams of playing baseball disappear. Or maybe someone is still looking for a chance to prove they are good enough to make it in the big leagues.
That’s where independent baseball comes in.
Why is it called independent baseball?
Independent baseball leagues are not run by Major League Baseball the same as Minor League teams are. They are — in fact — “independent” of Major League Baseball.
Independent baseball teams are individually owned or are owned by various groups.
While MLB teams often sign players from independent baseball, the independent baseball teams are not owned or operated by MLB teams.
How many leagues and teams does independent baseball have?
As of the 2024 regular season, there were 82 teams spread throughout 10 different leagues.
There are four “major” leagues with a higher level of talent and play:
The other leagues are considered more development leagues.
Who plays independent baseball?
Some players in independent baseball have played in the Minor Leagues, or maybe have even played in the Major Leagues. They may have been released from their team, but are still want to play baseball and perhaps prove themselves to earn one more shot in the big leagues.
Some players went undrafted out of college and are looking for a chance to keep playing baseball, to hopefully earn a chance to sign with a Major League team somewhere down the line.
Independent baseball is highly competitive, full of players trying to prove themselves.
How much do independent baseball players earn?
While compensation varies from league to league, “players can earn anywhere from $600 to $5,000 per month, plus housing, travel and a per diem for food.”
Most professional baseball players — including those in the independent leagues and Minor Leagues — don’t make enough playing baseball to support themselves.
Independent baseball is not for someone looking to strike it rich quickly. It’s for athletes who love the game.
How can you watch independent baseball games?
You can watch independent baseball games on FloBaseball’s website.
You can also buy a ticket and go to a game in person — which is the best way to watch a baseball game!
Major League Baseball is not the only professional baseball league in the United States.
Independent baseball is thriving despite flying a bit under the radar for most baseball fans.
