AFL partners with MiLB on outreach efforts

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is initiating an inaugural outreach program with participating Minor League Baseball clubs to promote the AFL in MiLB markets.

Intended to educate Minor League executives, fans and sponsors about the Arizona Fall League, the pilot program is intended to also generate interest in AFL play throughout MiLB communities while also establishing relationships with those markets.

"We want fans in MiLB markets to know their top players are still playing baseball in October and November in Arizona," said Fall League director Steve Cobb. "The Arizona Fall League gives fans the unique opportunity to watch the Major League stars of tomorrow."

Pat O'Conner, Minor League Baseball President & CEO, added, "Each season, the players who take the field in the Arizona Fall League are the future Rookies of the Year, MVPs, All-Stars and Gold Glove winners of Major League Baseball. For more than two decades, the AFL has showcased Minor League Baseball's top prospects and I encourage all baseball fans to support the game at this important level."

A total of 26 MiLB teams from the Triple-A® Pacific Coast League, Double-A® Texas League, and Class A Advanced California League plus the Triple-A Columbus Clippers of the International League and the Class A Lake County Captains of the Midwest League are participating in the new program.

The Arizona Fall League has prospered because of the talented players Major League Baseball organizations have assigned to the AFL after successfully climbing through the ranks of MiLB, including Minor League Baseball All-Stars, MVPs, top Draft choices, etc.

Cobb says, "The Fall League and MiLB share key roles in the development process of players, managers, coaches, athletic trainers and front office personnel for professional baseball. For 21 years, nearly 3,700 rising MiLB players have been chosen to participate in the Arizona Fall League, and 60 percent of them have reached the major leagues! It is our hope this inaugural outreach program can better share the Fall League story within MiLB circles. We have much in common!"

Benefits

The new program offers a variety of benefits to participating clubs, including complimentary season passes for Minor League front office executives, a special "early-bird renewal" program for Minor League season ticket holders to register for a complimentary Arizona Fall League season family pass when they renew their Minor League season tickets, the opportunity for Minor League fans to win a trip to the Fall Stars Game on Nov. 2, and a pre-game "send-off" program executed by participating Minor League teams.

The Arizona Fall League also is providing content for participating teams' websites and social media.

"We hope to expand our outreach to additional MiLB markets in 2014 and beyond," added Cobb.