The man who once signed a contract for nothing is now on the verge of playing in MLB. The Toronto Blue Jays recently called up 2012/13 Brisbane pitcher Chris Smith. When Smith debuts, he will become the 22nd ABL alum to play in MLB, and the sixth to debut this season.
Perched in a tree (that vaguely resembles a baseball bat) nibbling on who-knows-what that it found who-knows-where, the Ballpark Possum is the Australian Baseball League's newest colour correspondent for the 2016/17 season.
The global baseball community lost a bright star and vibrant personality this morning, when Cuban-born Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez was tragically killed after a boating accident in Miami Beach. More at MLB.com.
League Headlines
- Bandits' Smith called up by Blue Jays
- Meet the ABL's newest correspondent
- Bandits announce 2016/17 coaches
- Nilsson to lead Bandits again in 2016/17
- Veteran outfielder Roeger re-signs with Bite
- Cozens, Hoskins earn Eastern League honours
- Veteran Big Leaguer Moylan signs with Aces
- Beresford's debut years in the making
- Bite RHP Smith called up by White Sox
- Aces' Beresford called up to MLB with Twins
ABL Major Partners
ABL Features
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Follow your favourite ABL players abroad
Over the course of the past six seasons, the ABL has aided in the development of some of the world's top baseball talent. After the ABL season concludes, players - both imports and Australians - continue their careers in the world's top leagues overseas. Find out who's playing where with ABL Abroad. MORE » -
Secure your memberships for ABL 2016/17
Half and full-season memberships are on sale now for the Australian Baseball League's seventh season. Take advantage of early-bird pricing and perks, including exclusive playoff ticket discounts. MORE » -
Australia qualifies for World Baseball Classic
The Southern Thunder is returning to the World Baseball Classic, after a triumphant 12-5 win over South Africa in a competitive final game at the qualifier on Sunday afternoon at Blacktown International Sportspark in Sydney. With the victory, Australia qualified for the 2017 WBC. MORE »
MLB.com Headlines
- Sox win East, but Yanks' slam is talk of the crown
- O's ride Kim's pinch-hit clout, cut Toronto's lead
- Tigers keep pace with rain-shortened victory
- Gomez's HR in 8th extends Texas' lead for top seed
- The Esurance MLB Awards honor baseball's greatest achievements as part of industry-wide balloting that includes your votes. Cast your ballots now to help determine the best of the year's best.
- Jaso hits for first cycle in PNC Park history
- Mets extend Wild Card lead over Giants, Cardinals
- Familia becomes 1st Dominican to reach 50 saves
- MLB's no-repeat streak reaches sweet 16
- While it is the dream of every organization and fan base to be the last ones standing when the Fall Classic wraps up, the fact of the matter is that some need it more than others.
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