1985

The initial meeting – With Major League Baseball becoming a disgrace to what baseball is supposed to mean, six individuals meet to discuss their options.

1989

The first public rumor - During an on the go interview, Meyor Goldstein dropped some quotes that lead to the possible idea of a competitive baseball league that would attempt to compete with Major League Baseball.

Goldstein speaks out - Goldstein shows his true feelings about MLB, officially.

1990

National Endowment for Baseball Created – In efforts to help keep college baseball competitive with football in a battle for athletes, an anonymous group created a large endowment of $10,000,000 to be spread across North American Universities.

1992

The second meeting – Relations between MLB and the MLB Player’s Association is on the rocks. The leaders of the new league meet again, to organize their plan to create a competing major league.

Loblaw Renovates an Empty Stadium - Rapid City native and high-profile lawyer Bob Loblaw has invested $50 million into local landmark, Curley Grimes Memorial Field.

Bar incident reveals rumors – There’s mention of a developing competing baseball league during an altercation between Thomas-Michael Kozlowalski and two unnamed MLB officials.

The Classic Baseball Union Open’s League Office – To much fanfare the CBU announced that it will be playing baseball in April 1994, and directly competing against Major League Baseball.

1993

Introducing: Island Baseball - Galveston, TX announced that professional baseball was coming to the Texas island. Despite neighbors close by in Houston, owner Mike Litoris is confident that there’s room for another franchise, and that the potential to become the number one baseball team in the market is well within reason.

MLB Laughs at the CBU - New MLB commissioner predicts early doom for the CBU, states that MLB labor issues will be taken care of. CBU commissioner critiques those comments, speaks of future glory of league.

The CBU Inaugural Draft - The official player selection list and draft order were released for the CBU’s inaugural player dispersal draft.

1994

Dijon Moutarde Make Ed Wade First Pick - Dijon made history today by starting off the Classic Baseball Union Inaugural draft by selecting outfielder Ed Wade from St. Petersberg Florida.

MLB goes on strike – The Major League Baseball Players Association announced that it was going on strike. Thus creating the possibility of losing the 1994 World Series.

1994 Season Highlights – Lots of highlights from the inaugural season from the CBU. Baseball was the focus, but revenue was exceptional. The CBU owners combined to donate over 100 million dollars in profits from just the very first season.

Dijon Moutarde Are Champions - The lone CBU Canadien represenative wins the first ever CBU Championship in a best of seven series by beating the Greene Monsters in five games.

1995

MLB and MLBPA agree on new deal – The CBU gained a lot of steam and clout with Major League Baseball killing its 1994 season, but the two leagues are now both on, and many wonder if the CBU can survive on its current budget.

1995 Season Highlights - The Classic Baseball Union continues to rise up to the occasion and the fans are noticing. Major League Baseball returns from the strike, but not without consequences.

Tacoma Darners Unlikely Champions – Tacoma finished last in the Landis League in hits, led the Landis League in homers, and brushed past Brooklyn for the Landis League’s second title.

1996

Gary Evans makes his mark on the CBU – Evans made history by being the first slugger to crush over 50 homers in a single season.

1996 Season Highlights - The CBU appears to be here to stay, the talent is quickly rising and the fans are paying to see it!

Darners on a Mission, Repeat Champions – After dinking and dunking their way to the CBU Championship last season, the Darners repeat with a more dominating fashion.

1997

Brainerd’s Dale Johnston throws CBU’s first no-no – Dale Johnson will go down in the record books as the first CBU pitcher to complete a no-hitter.

1997 Season Highlights – The first no hitter, and the first Giamatti League champion.

Brooklyn Blue Sox win interstate matchup – The Brooklyn Blue Sox top the Buffalo Wings in the 1997 CBU Championship.

Player Profile: Carlos Gonzalez - Redbank Bandit, Carlos Gonzalez, talks about his heritage and the childhood friendship between his father and Roberto Clemente.

1998

Revenue in the CBU slowing down, MLB touts large gains - The summer of baseball was had in the MLB as Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire put on a show that will be remembered for ages.

CBU 1998 Highlights - A handful of good performances, all great, but overshadowed by the MLB stars.

Charlotte’s Webs spell “Champions” in 1998 - The Webs dominated from start to finish, as long as you forget September happened.

1999

Johnston throws his 2nd and CBU’s 2nd no-hitter - After struggling in 1998 while recovering from arm surgery, Johnston comes back strong in 1999 and tosses his 2nd no-no.

CBU Legend Anderson Bishop retires again from baseball - A former pitcher from the Japanese Nippon League, finished out his career in the CBU with high regard for the league.

CBU 1999 Highlights - A no-no, a couple cycles, and a pair of 3 home run performances lead the 1999 highlights.

Redbank Bandits Steal CBU Championship - Occupying the final playoff spot, the Bandits do their job in overcoming long odds to win their first championship.

SP – Jeff Rogers (1994-1999) - Jeff Rodgers was drafted by the Indianapolis 500s with the 17th pick in the 4th round of the inaugural Classic Baseball Union Draft. As a 31-year old Rogers was a journeyman who never reached the major leagues.

RF – Martin Johnston (1994-1999) - Martin Johnston was drafted by the Greene Monsters with the 4th pick in the 14th round of the inaugural draft. Halfway through the 1994 season, Johnston was traded to Brainerd along with cash for two prospects.

SP – Anderson Bishop (1994-1999) - Anderson Bishop retires again from baseball Starter Anderson Bishop Brooklyn/Wisconsin Anderson ‘Dumbo’ Bishop was out of baseball for years when the Classic Baseball Union knocked on his door.

LF – Pedro Hernandez (1994-1999) - Pedro Hernandez was drafted by the Redbank Bandits with the 5th pick in the 11th round of the inaugural draft. Hernandez was 23-year-old ready for the Union from the get go.

2000

Vermont Green ace Clark Smith Hurls No-No - The Nashville Legends were unable to touch Clark Smith today. The Legends sent up 27 hitters and Smith retired all 27 batters. The only blemish on the day was an error on a line drive by right fielder Millard Glenn.

500s Alonso Santos looking to break contract records. - Left fielder Alonso Smith made a statement earlier in the season that he would not be neogotiating a contract extension until after the 2000 season. Smith’s 5-year deal worth $42,000,000 signed in 1996 will expire in this month.

CBU 2000 Highlights - Smith’s near perfect game highlighted the 2000 season, as well as José Casas grabbing his 300th career save.

The Denver Pines win 2000 CBU Championship - The Denver Pines are celebrating back in Denver already after the Pines completed the first ever 4-game sweep in the CBU Championship. The Durham Dragons put up a fight in three of the four games, but failed to win a single game.

SP – Adam Shaffer (1994-2000) - In 1994 the Brainered Blue Ox took a risk on a pitcher who was regulated to semi-professional baseball. Adam Shaffer was pitching in the Northern Woodbat League and tossed his name into the ring of full professional baseball.

RF – Robert Turner (1994-2000) - Robert Turner was drafted in the 3rd round by the Charlotte Webs in the inaugural draft. The outfielder was a bit of an enigma for the Webs in his career.

SS – Clark Cherry (1994-2000) - The Wisconsin Cheese used their first round draft pick in the inaugural draft on shortstop Clark Cherry. Cherry coming right out of college had expectations to make an impact right away.

2B – Roberto Castro (1995-2000) - The Dijon Moutarde drafted Roberto Castro in the 32nd round of the inaugural draft. The then 27-year-old almost gave up on baseball right there and then.

1B – Jack Harrell (1994-2000) - The Charlotte Webs attacked the inaugural draft and found a player who could provide some excitement right away. Jack Harrell, drafted in the 8th round, provided that for the Webs.

2001

CBU 2001 Highlights - Two no-hitters, a 38 game hittings streak, and several milestones were the story of 2001.

The year of the milestone – 2001 - The Classic Baseball Union has recently finished its 8th season as a major professional league in the United States. With that accomplishment the players that make the league also reached milestones and achievements worth notating.

The Brooklyn Blue Sox net their second CBU Championship - Perhaps its best to not win your division in the CBU. For the third straight season a wild card team won the league’s top prize.

2002

The CBU completes new TV Deal - Its a late Christmas for all CBU fans. They will be pleased to know that the CBU has completed a deal worth five billion dollars for the TV rights to all CBU baseball games over the next 10 years with Fox Sports Networks.

CBU 2002 Highlights - Highlights from the 2002 season.

Parasites feast on Murderer’s Row for first Championship - The Portland Parasites are celebrating after taking two straight from Augusta in Augusta to win the CBU series in seven games. The Parasites have never won a Division title in their 9 year run in the CBU, but they can now call themselves CBU champions after climbing over Sioux Falls

3-time All-Star infielder Harvey Carter goes out on top - Today Harvey Carter announced that he would be retiring from baseball. Carter the long time Buffalo Wing infielder signed a two-year deal with the Portland Parasites last December.

2003

Clarence Cox tosses 2nd Underdogs No-No -  Four months after Todd McCarty’s no-hitter against the Dijon Moutarde, the Underdogs fans were treated to a second spectacular pitching performance.

CBU 2003 Highlights - Highlights from the 2003 season.

Brooklyn…Brooklyn…Brooklyn - The Brooklyn Blue Sox are begining to start a legacy that will be tough to match by the other CBU franchises. In the CBU’s tenth season, Brooklyn wins their 3rd CBU Championship.

2004

CBU’s First All-Decade Team Announced – 25 of the best players who played in the first decade of the Classic Baseball Union.

CBU 2004 Highlights - Highlights from the 2004 season.

CBU Championship Trophy Returns to Rocky Mountains - The Denver Pines block the Brooklyn Blue Sox from repeating at CBU Champions! Continuing a trend that is common over the the last decade in the CBU, the CBU Championship is won in enemy territory.

2005

CBU 2005 Highlights - Highlights from the 2005 season.

Swashbucklers Quiet Naysayers Take 12th CBU Trophy -  The Swashbucklers capped off their miracle season after closing down the Sioux Falls Underdogs in game seven 2 to zero.

2006

CBU 2006 Highlights - Highlights from the 2006 season.

Oh Canada! Dijon ride Coté to 2nd Championship - Its a National holiday in Eastern Canada today as the Moutarde Baseball Club return from Galveston, TX.

Johnston Honored by Houston Sportswriters - For years, folks in Galveston have argued that the better brand of baseball was played at the southern end of I-45. As attendance continues to rise at Bayhawks games, numbers begin to fall at Astros game.

2007

CBU 2007 Highlights - Highlights form the 2007 season.

Hate it or love it the Underdogs are on top in 2007 - The third time is the charm for the Sioux Falls Underdogs. The Underdogs have struggled to perform when it counted in years past, but unlike the 2001 and 2005 teams, the Underdogs top the Galveston Bayhawks.

2008

CBU 2008 Highlights - Highlights from the 2008 season.

David Martin Wins 2008 Triple Crown Race - David Martin played today with the Triple Crown on the line. Martin began the day tied with Lawrence Thomas, of the Wisconsin Cheese, in home runs in the Landis League with 45.

The Great Darners in 2008 - The Pacific Northwest has reason to celebrate again as the Tacoma Darners win their 3rd CBU Championship after trouncing the Vermont Greens in just 5 games. This is the Darners firs title since their repeat in 1995-96.

2009

CBU 2009 Highlights - Highlights form the 2009 season.

Dragons Roast the Moutarde in 2009 Series - You could hear the cheering all over Durham as the Dragons secured the final out of a 11-2 win over the Dijon Moutarde to capture the 2009 Classic Baseball Union The CBU Championship Series 4-1.

2010

CBU 2010 Highlights - Highlights from the 2010 season.

Buffalo Wings Habenero the Dragons in 2010 Showdown - Koz’s boys finally do it. The CBU’s most vibrant owner finally gets his first CBU Championship ring. The Buffalo Wings today defeated the Durham Dragons 3-1 in a game 6 home game to seal the series.

2011

CBU 2011 Highlights - Highlights form the 2011 season.

Tacoma Champions For Fourth Time - Tacoma gathered in its 4th The CBU Championship Series championship today and made it look easy. They swept the Nashville Legends in straight games, winning the series 4-0. The Darners disposed of Nashville 6-2 in the series finale at Legends Ballpark.

2012

CBU 2012 Highlights - Highlights from the 2011 season.

Adam Smith swamps Parasites with Perfect Game -  Adam Smith was nothing short of magical tonight as he becomes the first CBU pitcher in history to throw a perfect game. The Moutarde took on the Parasites on a perfectly normal night in the Le Colisee of Dijon.

Say Cheese! Wisconsin colby jacks Nashville - The Wisconsin Cheese made quick work of Nashville in the The CBU Championship Series and swept them. They cinched their 1st Classic Baseball Union crown today at Legends Ballpark with a 3-0 victory over the Legends.

2013

CBU 2013 Highlights - Highlights from the 2013 season.

Swashbucklers Plank Bandits in 2013 - It was Savannah and Redbank challenging one other in the 2013 The CBU Championship Series this season. On paper, there wasn’t much difference between the two strong ballclubs, but on the field, the verdict went to the Swashbucklers.

2014

CBU 2014 Highlights - Highlights from the 2014 season.

Parasites sweep away Blue Sox in 2014 - It was a glorious moment at Yuengling Park whenPortland claimed the 2014 The CBU Championship Series title with a 13-0 victory.Portland players were jubilant as they swamped each other on the diamond after completing the fantastic sweep of the Brooklyn Blue Sox.

2015

CBU 2015 Highlights - Highlights from the 2015 season.

Bandits Steal Championship From Greens - This is the time of the year when grown men are sometimes reduced to tears. This year the Redbank Bandits shed tears of joy and the Vermont Greens shed some sad ones, all because of a baseball game.

2016

CBU 2016 Highlights - Highlights from the 2016 season.

Finally! Rapid City Outlaws outlast Blue Sox - At Curley Grimes Memorial Field today Rapid Cityoutclassed the Brooklyn Blue Sox 8-3 and won the Classic Baseball Union The CBU Championship Series for the 1st time in its club history.

2017

CBU 2017 Highlights - Highlights from the 2017 season.

Brainerd Blue Ox slug their way to first championship. - Brainerd gathered in its 1st The CBU Championship Series championship today and made it look easy. They swept the Vermont Greens in straight games, winning the series 4-0.

2018

CBU 2018 Highlights - Highlights from the 2018 season.

500s’ Helms planks Swashbucklers, PERFECTION - The mood was set early, and John Helms made news when he  was perfect tonight. Helms (11-5 3.46 ERA) started the game off by strking out Félix González then getting the next two batters to ground out and fly out respectively.

Bring it back Brainerd goes back-to-back -  The Brainerd Blue Ox were too much for Brooklyn in this year’s Classic Baseball Union The CBU Championship Series. They eliminated the Blue Sox today at Jackie Robinson Field and captured the series 4-3.

2019

 

CBU 2019 Highlights - Highlights from the 2019 season.

Blue Ox Executes Murderer’s Row in 3-Peat - Another page has been added to the Classic Baseball Union record book. The Brainerd Blue Ox have won their 3rd league championship with a 2-1 win against the Augusta Murderer’s Row.

2020