The ABL: Season launch and local media roundup

We are now a week out from the season launch of the ABL, and starting to see a bit of coverage in the local media. All six teams have now released their rosters, which has revealed quite a few marquee players and a few interesting imports.

Yesterday was the official season launch, and you can check out details of the launch at the ABL website, it included some promo photos from representatives from each of the teams.



Chris Oxspring [Sydney], Justin Huber [Melbourne], Paul Mildren [Adelaide], Phil Stockman [Brisbane], Luke Hughes [Perth] and Nick Kimpton [Canberra] Image from http://www.theabl.com.au/

I particularly liked this mean looking shot of Chris Oxspring:

Image from www.theabl.com.au

The official season launch has also generated a bit of press coverage, with articles appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald, the Herald Sun, Courier Mail and ABC among others.

Most of the focus is on the calibre of players that are involved in the league, with plenty of current and ex-Major Leaguers dotting the rosters, as well as a lot of up and coming players. There is also a lot of optimism being expressed that the ABL can survive in the long term, particularly since it has the backing of Major League Baseball - which you would have to think is critical to financing the league, but at the same time a great endorsement from the US.  It seems that the players certainly have the right idea. Luke Hughes speaks about being an ambassador, and making sure it succeeds so that 10 years down the track kids will have something to aim for.

Things are getting pretty positive. The Blue Sox GM is quoted as reporting that the Blue Sox have sold out a number of games already, in addition to the 500 season tickets they've sold out. All the media coverage looks great. Hopefully this will continue - and pick up - when the season fires up and the sport can get the profile it deserves.

Stay tuned for more info and season previews soon!