Baseball's much-rumored new league will become official today when organizers announce plans for The United Baseball League during a news conference in New York.
According to the 46-page "Confidential Proposal Draft," obtained Monday by USA TODAY, the league plans to field 10 teams beginning in 1996. None of the potential cities mentioned currently have major league teams. International expansion to places such as Japan and Korea is suggested.
If the UBL becomes reality, it will be the first new circuit to rival the National and American leagues since the Federal League in 1914-15.
Robert J. Mrazek, a former U.S. congressman from New York who now is a Washington, D.C., corporate consultant, will serve as managing partner.
General partners are player agent Dick Moss, the former general counsel of the Major League Players Association; U.S. Rep. John Bryant, D-Texas, co-founder and a principal stockholder in the Texas-Louisiana League; and economist Andrew Zimbalist, who has served as a consultant for the players union.
Interim Commissioner Bud Selig said Monday he is familiar with the league's plans, but he reserved comment.
Union associate general counsel Gene Orza said "any new league is something you want to stay in touch with and explore the possibilities. I haven't had that much contact with this issue."
Some specifics:
-- The season will be 154 games, with a best-of-seven championship between division winners.
-- Average attendance is projected at 17,500.
-- Average ticket price: $8.
-- Player salaries will average $520,000; player payrolls will be $13 million a team.
The proposal includes a profit-sharing partnership with players. Financial records will be open to players and, instead of a cap on players' salaries, the league proposes a cap on executive salaries.
