Orlando FL- Are you in the Empire League Independent Baseball and affiliated scouts database?

Did you know that all Empire League Showcases or Camp Attendees are automatically entered into the best and only pro baseball free agent prospect database with scouting reports shared with managers in high level leagues and MLB scouting?

The Empire League management , scouting staff and  coaches  are extremely excited   about the upcoming Spring Training  camp and  Independent Professional Baseball showcase.   After the number of  player submissions to get in the Empire database reached 1,230 ,  and over 200 accepted players confirmed to attending the showcase, the league  has confirmed that there will be no other tryouts in 2018. Players that do not attend spring training camp on June 4-8 will not be eligible to sign to play in the Empire League in the middle of the season during 2018.

“We are a players league, there are no owners, GM’s or player personnel members in each franchise making decisions. We do not believe in that format at this level, since we are here for helping players and developing them. All players that enroll in our database and do not make a team are the first ones eligible to get called up once players are promoted or if spots become available.” – Eddie Gonzalez

To play in the Empire League this year, or to be considered an  Independent prospect that could be sent up to leagues like the  CanAm, American Association and the Atlantic League, a player must be  participating members at our week long Spring Training Independent Baseball qualifier.

TAMPA, FL – Edwin Arroyo, who spent the 2017 season with the Puerto Rico Islanders of the Empire League, was signed to the new professional franchise of the Chicago Dogs in the American Association for the 2018 season and has made history.

When Empire League director Eddie Gonzalez was asked by new Chicago Dogs manager for an infielder, Gonzalez didn’t hesitate in sending Arroyo.

Arroyo was a two time Gold Glove award winner in the Doble A league in organized baseball in Puerto Rico before joining the Old Orchard Beach Surge of the Empire League. He then was traded to the Puerto Rico Islanders where he finished the season hitting .433avg with 1 Home Run and 14 Runs batted in in 78 plate appearances.

On May 18, 2018, Arroyo made history by becoming the first batter in Chicago Dogs history to step up to the plate as he led off the game. But going to the plate wasn’t all for Arroyo, He also scored the first run of the franchises history in the first inning when Dogs 3rd hole hitter Craig Maddox singled him in.

The Dogs lost their first game in franchise history but a lot of history was made and Edwin Arroyo had a lot to do with it.

“This is what this league is about, a guy like Edwin enrolls through the Empire League process, does his job, and we reward players that are deserving of it. And now, he’s making history and we wish him the best of luck!” – Eddie Gonzalez

Arroyo was the starting second baseman and lead off hitter in the franchises first ever ball game where they lost 9-5 at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Article by Empire Media

TAMPA, FL- Empire Leagues Edgar Lebron Jr, who spent the 2017 season as a top league prospect with the Old Orchard Beach Surge in Maine was sent up to play for Quebec Capitales at the end of league play.

League head scouting director Eddie Gonzalez had to select the perfect payer when asked by the Quebec organization about the need to fill a position.  Mr Gonzalez felt Lebron had all the attributes required to fill the need.  The Capitales went on to win the CanAm League Championship, and Edgar Lebron was a great late season contributor.

Edgar Lebron earned a roster spot once again with the Capitales for the 2018 season, and today we congratulate him on earning his Championship ring, a feed that many attempt but never reach.

TAMPA, FL –  Current Puerto Rico Roberto Clemente professional winter league coach and former major league player with the Boston Red Sox Tony Rodriguez to manage the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Today is a special day in Islanders pro baseball history. Former major leaguer Tony Rodriguez has been officially named the Islanders new manager for the 2018 Season. Tony comes from not only a great MLB and MiLB affiliated career, but also as an established Independent pro baseball federation retired Player. Tony has experience in several leagues including the Atlantic League.

The Puerto Rico Islanders are a professional baseball franchise that primarily provides young players out of college an opportunity to be scouted by MLB and high level professional baseball federation leagues. Giving players a chance of a lifetime. They play in an American rookie level league called the Empire League, based in the northeast region of the United States.

This organization has established a great recruitment reputation due to the incredibly high numbers of players sent to higher level professional baseball leagues. It’s considered an Independent baseball prospect league and is recognized worldwide.

Islanders general manager Carlos Nuñez referred several candidates but after much consideration team President Eddie Gonzalez felt Tony is the right man for the job.

“We are still in the early stages with this franchise and while on its 2nd year, it’s great to see we are moving in the right direction after an excellent first year. We are continuing to improve and God willing, we will get new supporting partners and sponsors along with potentially finalizing a deal with a specific stadium location to call home in Puerto Rico.” President – Eddie Gonzalez

Welcome to the Islander Tradition Tony!

Article by Empire Media

CONCORD, NH – The Empire League has announced that they will bring back former Surge Manager Scott Nathanson as the new manager of the New Hampshire Wild baseball club for the 2018 season.

Nathanson previously managed the Old Orchard Beach Surge back in 2015 and 2016. He is looking to invite players for a chance to earn 1 of the 120 available contracts that are going to be offered at camp.

“We are happy to have coach Nathanson back, He’s an amazing human being and he means well for the players in our league. We want to help players in this league and he is a perfect guy that’s been around long enough to know how to do so. That’s what this league is about and we welcome Scott back for the 2018 season.” VP of Baseball Jerry Gonzalez

If players wind up being signed by the Wild, they’ll be playing for a manager committed to their success.

The Empire League will have spring training in Delaware on June 4-8, 2018 to finalize the final 120 roster spots/contracts available. Like no other camp in the world, the EPBL is the only league that offers 120 or more contracts at their tryout camps. That’s right, 120 players are going to sign at the end of camp.

For those players interested in pursuing your dreams and would like a shot at professional baseball, remember, the EPBL only signs players that attend EPBL camps. This will be the last tryout camp in professional baseball this season. To be accepted, click here. There are limited participants accepted into the EPBL Spring Training Tryout camp. So players are recommended to not wait as once camp is filled, no one else will be allowed to tryout.