Wikipedia - Arizona Fall League

The Arizona Fall League (AFL) is an off-season sports league owned and operated by Major League Baseball (MLB) which operates during the autumn in Arizona, United States, at six different baseball complexes. Arizona Fall League rosters are filled by many of the top prospects in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) who are assigned by their parent clubs.

History

The league's inaugural season was 1992, during which each team played a 54-game schedule that ended in early December. The divisions and teams that season were:

  • Northern division: Grand Canyon Rafters, Scottsdale Scorpions, Sun Cities Solar Sox
  • Southern division: Chandler Diamondbacks, Phoenix Saguaros, Tucson Javelinas

The league's first game was played on October 6, 1992, with the Grand Canyon Rafters defeating the Scottsdale Scorpions, 6–4.

Before the 1994 season, the Javelinas relocated from Tucson to Peoria, to limit travel distances to the Phoenix metropolitan area. All teams have been located in greater Phoenix since then.

Since 1995, when the Diamondbacks became the Desert Dogs, no team has changed its nickname. However, each team has changed its location at least once during its history. The most recent change was by the Desert Dogs, who moved from Phoenix to Glendale in 2013.

Michael Jordan during his time with the Scottsdale Scorpions

For the 1998 season, organizers rostered players onto each Arizona Fall League team from a single division in MLB:

In 2007, the United States national baseball team and China national baseball team played several games against AFL teams; both teams were later competitors in baseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics. In 2019, the Mesa Solar Sox participated in the Vamos a Tucson Mexican Baseball Fiesta in early October, facing teams of the Mexican Pacific League.

In 2019, the league adopted a new logo. In 2020, the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of future MLB All-Stars have had stints in the Arizona Fall League; over 300, per the league's website. These include David Wright (2003), Dustin Pedroia (2004), Andre Ethier (2005), Bryce Harper (2010–2011), Nolan Arenado (2011), Mike Trout (2011), Mookie Betts (2013), Aaron Judge (2014), Gleyber Torres (2016), and Ronald Acuña Jr. (2017). In 1994, Michael Jordan played for Scottsdale during his time away from the NBA. Similarly, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow played for Scottsdale in 2016 during his foray into professional baseball.

The Arizona Fall League is a highly anticipated baseball tournament held annually in the United States. It is a prestigious event that showcases some of the most promising young talent in the sport.

The tournament takes place in various cities across Arizona, providing a perfect setting for players to display their skills in a warm and sunny climate. The Arizona Fall League is known for its high level of competition, attracting top prospects from all 30 Major League Baseball teams.

The tournament features six teams, each affiliated with different MLB organizations. These teams are composed of a mix of players from different levels of the minor leagues, including Double-A and Triple-A. This allows for a unique blend of experience and potential, as players strive to make a lasting impression on scouts and team executives.

The Arizona Fall League offers a platform for players to further develop their skills and gain valuable experience against top-notch competition. It serves as a stepping stone for many players on their journey to the major leagues, with numerous participants going on to have successful careers at the highest level.

Fans of the sport flock to the tournament to witness the future stars of baseball in action. The games are played in state-of-the-art stadiums, providing an immersive and exciting atmosphere for spectators. The Arizona Fall League also offers a chance for fans to get up close and personal with the players, as autograph sessions and meet-and-greets are often organized.

In addition to the on-field action, the Arizona Fall League also hosts various events and activities for fans and players alike. These include prospect showcases, skills competitions, and educational seminars, providing a comprehensive experience for all involved.

Overall, the Arizona Fall League is a must-see event for any baseball enthusiast. It offers a glimpse into the future of the sport, as talented young players compete for a chance to make their mark on the game. With its high level of competition, beautiful venues, and exciting atmosphere, the tournament is a true celebration of America's pastime.