Australian Baseball League
From BR Bullpen
The Australian Baseball League (ABL) was founded after the 1988 Claxton Shield. It was the first full-season winter league in Australian history and drew numerous future US stars such as Vernon Wells, Kevin Millwood and John Jaha in addition to homegrown talents such as Dave Nilsson and Graeme Lloyd. In the summer of 1989-1990 the new league played it first season, with the Waverley Reds being the dominant team of the season.
Due to mounting debts, the ABL was sold off after the 1998-1999 season to a group led by Australian David Nilsson, who formed the International Baseball League of Australia.
Season/Championship Team/MVP
- 1989-1990/Waverley Reds/Phil Dale
- 1990-1991/Perth Heat/Dave Nilsson
- 1991-1992/Daikyo Dolphins/Adrian Meagher
- 1992-1993/Melbourne Monarchs/Kevin Jordan
- 1993-1994/Brisbane Bandits/Homer Bush
- 1994-1995/Waverley Reds/Scott Metcalf
- 1995-1996/Sydney Blues/Gary White
- 1996-1997/Perth Heat/Andrew Scott
- 1997-1998/Melbourne Reds/Brendan Kingman
- 1998-1999/Gold Coast Cougars/Adam Burton
[edit] Career Leaders
- Batting Average: Dave Nilsson, .356
- Runs: Andrew Scott, 343
- Hits: Andrew Scott, 521
- RBI: Ronny Johnson, 375
- Doubles: Andrew Scott, 115
- Triples: Richard Vagg, 20
- Home Runs: Ronny Johnson, 106
- Slugging Percentage: Dave Nilsson, .648
- OBP: Dave Nilsson, .474
- Stolen Bases: Peter Hartas, 122
- ERA: Graeme Lloyd, 2.34
- Innings Pitched: Phil Dale, 792 1/3
- Games Played: Bob Nilsson, 194
- Wins: Phil Dale, 65
- Saves: Bob Nilsson, 53
- Strikeouts: Phil Dale, 553
- Youngest Player: Rikki Johnston, 15 years old
Source: Flintoff & Dunn Australian Baseball Almanac
