From BR Bullpen
The Continental Baseball League, based in Dallas, Texas, is a professional, independent baseball organization located in the U.S. state of Texas. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League Baseball teams and is not affiliated with either. The league's players primarily come from the college ranks, although some former professional players fill the team rosters. It formed in 2006 and began play as a four team circuit on May 27, 2007. In 2008, the Corpus Christi Beach Dawgs and the Texarkana Gunslingers will replace the Lewisville Lizards and the Texas Heat, while the Blue Thunder move to a new stadium in McKinney, TX and will be renamed after that city.
The league's championships trophy is named after Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins. The Tarrant County Blue Thunder captured title in the inaugural season of 2007.
Led by former major leaguer Curtis Wilkerson, the Tarrant County Blue Thunder posted the best record in the regular season and then won a double elimination championship series that involved the league's top three clubs. Texas Heat first baseman Robby Winn hit .341 and led the league with 21 home runs and 64 RBIs en route to being named the circuit's MVP. Tarrant County's Zach Duncan won five games, struck out 57, led the league with a 3.14 ERA, and was named Pitcher of the Year, while Wilkerson took home the Manager of the Year award.
[edit] Scheduling
The CBL plays a 72 game schedule, Tuesday-Sunday (Two 3 game series per week) with each team playing 36 home and 36 road games. (Texas Heat will play all games on the road in 2008)