The Gateway Grizzlies just went up a few notches in excitement and hopefully this will serve to generate more fans and revenue once things get back to normal.
Major League Baseball (MLB) announced on Thursday that it has named both the American Association and the Frontier League as “Partner Leagues” of MLB. The American Association and the Frontier League join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), which was designated a Partner League earlier this week.
“The Gateway Grizzlies are excited to become a part of the MLB family.” said Richard Sauget, Managing Partner of the Gateway Grizzlies. “This recognition by MLB validates the quality of our baseball on the field and the professionalism of our Frontier League franchise. This is a proud moment for all of our players, front office members and ownership that have helped elevate the Gateway Grizzlies over the past two decades. We look forward to the new opportunities that this partnership will bring for our league and our fans.”
The Frontier League, as a designated MLB Partner will collaborate with Major League Baseball to jointly discuss marketing and promotional initiatives to grow, expand, and enhance the game of baseball.
As Partner Leagues, the Frontier League and the American Association will collaborate with MLB on initiatives to provide organized baseball to communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Morgan Sword, MLB’s Executive Vice President, Baseball Economics & Operations, said: “We welcome the American Association and Frontier Leagues as Partner Leagues, and look forward to working with them toward our shared goal of expanding the geographic reach of baseball.”
“We look forward to our partnership with MLB incorporating the American Association into the MLB family. To grow America’s Pastime, it’s critical to bring all stakeholders in professional baseball to the table,” said American Association Commissioner Joshua Schaub. “We believe this association with Major League Baseball will culminate in a comprehensive agreement that will grow baseball and shine an even brighter light on the American Association. The American Association has already established itself as a premier professional league in North America, this partnership will only enhance the American Association’s stature among the professional baseball world.”
Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee says, “The Frontier League is honored to become a Partner League with Major League Baseball. This partnership will be beneficial in growing our great game of Baseball in all of our United States and Canadian markets. Our teams and fans will all be excited to see the League grow in years to come. The Frontier League began in 1993, to have a relationship with Major League Baseball, is one of the greatest moments in League history.”
