The GBL and Northern League Team Up for an All-Star Spectacle

There was some very exciting Independent League news announced at the Baseball Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

The Golden Baseball and Northern Leagues have signed a two-year agreement that will pit themselves against each other in their All-Star games this year and next.

“This will be exciting for our players and fans and also for major league organizations focused on finding the best talent available in the independent minor leagues,” said Golden Baseball League Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. “The Northern League has long been the finest independent professional baseball league and we are looking forward to hosting their top players in Tucson this summer and then sending our best to the Chicago area for the rematch the following season.”

As mentioned by Outcalt, this is a great way for MLB squads to find untapped talent. In all likelihood, it is a tremendous opportunity for each league to pit their best against each other and determine who the real Indy powerhouse is.

The Northern League is the more prolific and well known of the seven independent leagues, but in case you haven't heard, the GBL is not far behind.

The GBL has expanded their base through Summer/Winter Leagues, and a two-year agreement between the Yuma Scorpions and the Colombian League (to develop players and umpires). More recently, they have teamed up with XnE Inc, and expanded their brand into Maui. To read more on the current expansion, click here.

Fans of the game could not ask for anything better. Two leagues striving to improve, displaying their finest. Family-oriented entertainment at an affordable price. Can we anticipate the possibility of many more cross-promotions on the horizon?

Baseball fans can only hope.

This article can also be found on The GM's Perspective.