What Is Minor League High-A?
Minor League High-A is a classification of Minor League Baseball that is one step below the Double-A level. It is the third highest classification in the Minor Leagues and is the last stop a player will make before potentially reaching the Major Leagues. In addition to the High-A level, Minor League Baseball is also divided into four other levels: Rookie, Short-Season-A, Low-A, and Double-A.
History of Minor League High-A
Minor League High-A was established in 1990 as part of Major League Baseball’s reorganization of the Minor Leagues. Prior to this reorganization, Minor League teams were organized into six classes: Triple-A, Double-A, Class-A, Class-B, Class-C, and Class-D. The reorganization eliminated the lower levels and established the five current levels.
Minor League High-A Teams
Minor League High-A teams are divided into two leagues: the California League and the Carolina League. The California League currently consists of eight teams located in California, Arizona, and Colorado, while the Carolina League consists of ten teams located in North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
Player Development
Minor League High-A is an important level of player development in Minor League Baseball. At this level, players are typically in the final stages of their development before potentially reaching the Major Leagues. Players at this level are often trying to refine their skills and showcase their talents to Major League scouts.
Talent Level
The talent level at Minor League High-A is generally higher than the lower levels of Minor League Baseball. Players at this level are typically more polished and have a better understanding of the game than players at the lower levels.
Competitive Level
The competitive level at Minor League High-A is generally higher than the lower levels of Minor League Baseball. The games are typically more competitive, and the teams are typically more evenly matched than at the lower levels.
Salary
Players at the Minor League High-A level typically make more money than players at the lower levels. Players typically make around $1,000 per month, although this varies from team to team.
Scheduling
Minor League High-A teams typically play a 140-game schedule, which is slightly longer than the schedules at the lower levels. The teams typically play a mix of home and away games, and play a mix of weekday and weekend games.
Promotion and Demotion
Players at the Minor League High-A level can be promoted to the Double-A level or demoted to the Low-A level based on their performance. Players who perform well and show that they are ready for the next level can be promoted, while players who struggle can be demoted.
Future Major Leaguers
Many of the players at the Minor League High-A level are future Major Leaguers. The level is an important step for players to refine their skills and showcase their talents to Major League scouts. Many of the players at this level will eventually make it to the Major Leagues.
Conclusion
Minor League High-A is an important level of Minor League Baseball. It is the last stop a player will make before potentially reaching the Major Leagues, and is an important step in the development of a player. The level is home to many future Major Leaguers, and is an important part of Minor League Baseball.