Questions and Answers about the Frontier League

What is the Frontier League?

The Frontier League is a 16 team continuous ownership league using the APBA Basic Game with several enhancements. This is a mail league with numerous face to face opportunities for managers in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York metropolitan area. The Frontier League has been going strong for nearly two decades.

The Frontier League has implemented many enhancements to increase the realism and accuracy of the Basic Game. The most significant enhancement is the use of the COXX grading system. This uses the framework of the Basic Game, but with 30 different pitcher grades, each pitcher's results will more closely resemble their real-life performance.

In addition to the COXX system, the Frontier League has implemented a system that makes a catcher's defense more relevant and a righty-lefty rule for relief pitchers that forces managers to use their relief pitchers in roles similar to that of major league baseball.

 

Where is the Frontier League located?

Our managers can be found everywhere and anywhere. The Frontier League has had managers participate from all over the U.S.

How does it work?

There is a 162-game schedule distributed before the season. Each manager is responsible for playing 81 home games, in series of 3 to 4 games, against his team's opponents at designated times during the year. For the other 81 games, he sends out lineups and pitching rotations to the road opponent listed on the schedule, who plays the game for the visiting team. 

 

Is there prize money at stake?

No. This hobby is so much fun and the games are exciting enough that there is no need for cash prizes to maintain interest. Because of continuous player ownership, a manager whose team which is not playing well one year may still enjoy following his players perform in real life as he builds next year's contender. Because no money is involved, we are able to play our games on the honor system, with the visiting manager not usually present (occasionally the visiting manager participates in person).

How are players drafted and allocated?

In 1979, there was an initial draft to stock all the teams. Since then, rosters have been maintained by individual managers through an annual rookie and free agent draft, trading, and releasing of unwanted players. The details are in our constitution . 

How much does it cost to be a member?

Dues are $25.00 per year. In addition, members need to purchase a set of APBA current season cards and XB's.  (approx. $60.00 as of 1/1/2000)

 

Are there other simulation leagues for APBA Baseball?

Yes, in fact, there are dozens of such leagues of various types. See Ageless APBA for a listing.

What distinguishes the Frontier League from other APBA leagues?

Continuity of operation, stability (we're playing our 21st season), and quality of managers.  Our managers now are primarily professionals and businessmen who have followed baseball daily since childhood.

How do I apply to join Frontier League?

Franchises in the Frontier League are not awarded lightly. There has always been, however, a normal turnover of about 10% per year. Criteria for accepting new managers include baseball (and APBA game) knowledge and the reliability to complete a home schedule on time. If you think you qualify, or would like more information, please fill out the Frontier League Application..