WMBL Adopting Full Collegiate Model in 2013

SASKATOON, SK -- Coming off another successful season both on and off the field, the Western Major Baseball League is taking the next step in their development as a premiere summer collegiate baseball league.

Starting in 2013, the WMBL will begin play as a strictly collegiate league targeting Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior baseball players from top schools across North America.

The decision came down from the WMBL Board of Governors this weekend at the Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon, SK.

"The league sees the opportunities in marketing and promoting ourselves as a summer collegiate league," said WMBL President Kevin Kvame. "We've taken into consideration the wants and needs of our fans league-wide, and are confident that this decision will benefit each franchise and the cities in which they compete."

2012 will be the final year in which teams are permitted to field up to three over-aged players, a rule that was put into effect in 2011.

While the change in philosophy will require a longer transition period for some, Kvame and his Board of Governors are excited for the long-term benefits.

"This does impact a couple of our teams more than others because of their historical nature, but I think they are to be commended for their willingness to move forward as a better Western Major Baseball League."

In another decision that is sure to assist the league's image moving forward, the Board of Governors approved a new balanced schedule that will see each team play 46 games starting in 2012.

"It's important for us to have a balanced schedule across the league," said Kvame. "Moving to 46 games league-wide ensures that our current playoff structure won't be compromised, and that we can continue to grow our image as the elite summer baseball experience in Canada."

The previously unbalanced schedule saw teams in the Western Division play a total of 48 regular season contests, while teams in the Eastern and Central Divisions played 42.

Just how much of an impact the decisions made this weekend will have on the league won't be seen for some time, but Kvame acknowledges that the 2011 AGM was one that can only be viewed as a positive.

"The co-operation was there, and a desire to move the league forward," Kvame said of the weekend's meetings in Saskatoon. "We were excited to have Uri (Geva) of the Texas Collegiate League come down and provide insight on things like marketing and game promotion, which helps us learn. We're committed to learning more about our business to field the best possible product."

Stay tuned to WMBL.ca throughout the week for more on the Annual General Meetings and the news and other improvements coming to the Western Major Baseball League.