First-ever multi-league tryout held and 23 players picked

For the first time in independent league history a multi-league player tryout was held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The result was that 23 players ended up drafted by independent baseball teams. The event was organized by the Northern League and the Golden League. However, scouts from the independent Frontier League and the American Association also attended. Also, scouts from the San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox were there.

This was one of the largest groups of players ever selected by independent leagues during a tryout, according to league management and some team management. Many of the players had been playing in spring training in the Scottsdale area and other Arizona tryout areas. The hope is that this will provide the independent league with a glut of potentially excellent players, which can benefit all of the independent leagues with higher-caliber players.

The Golden League and the Northern League have teamed up twice, now, for this year. In the past the Northern League has held its All Star game with a game between their divisions. This year, All Stars from the Golden League and the Northern League will face off against each other. The game will be held in Tucson, Arizona at Hi Corbett Field on July 14.

The Northern League has become the dominant independent baseball league in the Chicago area. They have expanded by adding two teams to their roster for 2010. They have added the Rockford Riverhawks who switched from the Frontier League. They have also added the expansion Lake County Fielders, which just announced that ground will be broken for their new stadium sometime this week.