Major League Baseball in conjunction with Prep Baseball Report (PBR) have announced the formation of the all-new MLB Draft League set to launch in 2021. The league, which will include the Williamsport Crosscutters, becomes the first in the country focused on top prospects eligible to be drafted by MLB Clubs that summer.
With the MLB Draft now being held as part of MLB All-Star Week in mid-July, draft-eligible players will have a unique opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain exposure to MLB Clubs and fans each year.
The Williamsport Crosscutters will be joined by the Trenton Thunder (formerly of the Double-A Eastern League) Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes and West Virginia Black Bears (all formerly of the New York-Penn League) as founding members of the MLB Draft League. MLB is in advanced negotiations with a sixth club which will be announced in the coming weeks.
The MLB Draft League will feature a 68-game regular season that is scheduled to run from late May to mid-August with an annual All-Star Break centered around the MLB Draft. Players will receive unprecedented visibility to MLB Club scouts through in-person observation and state-of-the-art scouting technology, as well as instruction from former MLB players and educational programming designed to prepare them for careers as professional athletes. MLB and Prep Baseball Report will assign players and coaching staffs for each team as well as provide league administrative functions.
The Crosscutters have scheduled a special Facebook Live event for Tuesday, December 8 at 7 pm where fans can learn more about the MLB Draft League from members of the Cutters front office and have an opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming season. The event can be accessed at the team’s Facebook page, @WilliamsportCrosscutters. Those unable to view the live event can watch a recorded version of the session anytime on the Williamsport Crosscutters Facebook page.
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“We are ecstatic to have Williamsport continue to be a gateway to the Majors in the all new MLB Draft League and cannot wait for another season of Crosscutters baseball.” Peter B. Freund – President & Principal Owner, Williamsport Crosscutters
“We are thrilled to partner with Prep Baseball Report and the founding members of the MLB Draft League to create a one-of-a-kind league that will attract the nation’s top players who are eligible for each year’s MLB Draft and allow local fans to see top prospects and future big-league stars in their hometowns. This announcement continues MLB’s commitment to preserving and growing baseball in communities around the United States.” Morgan Sword – Executive Vice President Baseball Economics & Operations, Major League Baseball
“We are excited to hear about MLB’s commitment to the Crosscutters and to Williamsport and are looking forward to baseball’s return here.” Derek Slaughter – Mayor, City of Williamsport
“Ask anyone from Williamsport and they will tell you that the Cutters are more than just a baseball team. They are a cornerstone of our community, providing affordable family entertainment for our region. This partnership will bring new life to the Cutters and ensure that Williamsport remains the baseball capital of the world.” Congressman Fred Keller – U.S. House of Representatives (PA 12)
“This is really great news for the Crosscutters organization as well as north central Pennsylvania,” said state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). “The possibility of not having a professional baseball team in Williamsport, the home of Little League Baseball, was a major concern. Now, the MLB Draft League presents an opportunity to grow the game, while safeguarding the Cutters presence in our region. Let’s play ball!” State Senator Gene Yaw – Pennsylvania State Senate (PA 23)
“This is GREAT news not only for the Crosscutters but for Williamsport and Central Pennsylvania together! As we just experienced this past year, a summer without local baseball just doesn’t seem like summer. Congratulations to all and I look forward to the umpire saying PLAY Ball!” State Rep. Jeff Wheeland – Pennsylvania State House of Representatives (PA-83)
“We’ve had a proud tradition of professional baseball in Williamsport dating back to the late 1800’s. It is great to hear that this tradition will continue with the MLB Draft League. I will be excited to watch draft-eligible players show off their talents and then get to see them in the MLB in a few years.” State Rep. Garth Everett – Pennsylvania State House of Representatives (PA 84)
“I am pleased to hear of the exciting news that baseball will remain in Williamsport with the new MLB Draft League. Williamsport’s long baseball history has laid the foundation for many that entered the major leagues. We look forward to continuing that tradition of having America’s past time in our backyard.” Scott L. Metzger, Chairman Lycoming County Commissioners
“We are excited to see that developmental baseball will continue here in Williamsport. From 1869 when professional baseball started to today, the sport has continued to evolve. It’s great to see that Williamsport will play a key role in this latest evolution of the sport. As a baseball fan personally, I look forward to seeing these prospects grow, develop and hopefully realize their dream of playing Major League Baseball. To me, there is no better place than the home and birthplace of Little League Baseball to foster this opportunity for these players.” Jason Fink – President & CEO, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
