Teams enter the competition in different rounds, based upon their 2011-12 league affiliation.

The South Georgia team in the six-team league will not have a major league affiliation.

One person said that virtually every site the union contacted that had a major league affiliation said the players could not train there.

They adopted the name the Chukars following a fan vote when the major league affiliation changed after the 2003 season.

This was the first minor league affiliation for the Phillies.

They were based in Allentown, Pennsylvania and had no big league affiliations.

"And their major league affiliations could be transferred to our league," Troubh said.

They competed against each other for fan support, league affiliation, and money at the gate.

The rejection once again pointed out Hofstra's problems as an independent in scheduling teams and its need for a league affiliation.

The franchise also picked up a new major league affiliation, becoming the top farm club of the Pittsburgh Pirates.