What is Major League Lacrosse. How did MLL evolve over the years. What are the unique rules of Major League Lacrosse. Which teams compete in MLL. How has the league adapted to challenges and changes.
The Origins and Evolution of Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) emerged as a professional outdoor lacrosse league in North America, founded in 1999 by Jake Steinfeld, Dave Morrow, and Tim Robertson. The league’s inception was inspired by the growing popularity of lacrosse across the continent. Regular season play commenced in June 2001 with six teams competing in a 14-game schedule.
From its modest beginnings, MLL expanded to include ten teams by 2006, marking a significant growth period for the sport. However, financial challenges led to the folding of several franchises, reshaping the league’s landscape. Despite these setbacks, MLL continued to evolve, adapting to changing circumstances and maintaining its position as a premier lacrosse competition.
MLL Teams: Past and Present
Over the years, MLL has seen a diverse array of teams represent various cities and regions. Some of the notable franchises that have been part of the league include:
- Boston Cannons
- Chesapeake Bayhawks (formerly Baltimore Bayhawks)
- Denver Outlaws
- New York Lizards (formerly Long Island Lizards)
- Ohio Machine
- Atlanta Blaze
- Dallas Rattlers (formerly Rochester Rattlers)
The league’s composition has changed over time, with teams relocating, rebranding, or ceasing operations. For instance, the Toronto Nationals entered the league in 2009, acquiring the rights of the Rochester Rattlers, while retaining the players and staff but adopting a new identity.
How has team relocation impacted MLL’s fan base?
Team relocation has had mixed effects on MLL’s fan base. While it has allowed the league to tap into new markets and potentially grow its audience, it has also led to the loss of established fan bases in certain cities. The league has had to balance expansion with maintaining stability and fan loyalty in its core markets.
Unique Rules and Gameplay in Major League Lacrosse
MLL distinguishes itself from collegiate and high school lacrosse through several unique rules designed to enhance the speed and excitement of the game:
- 60-second shot clock: This rule keeps the game fast-paced and entertaining, similar to basketball.
- Two-point arc: Goals scored from behind this arc are worth two points instead of one, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.
- No restraining box: The absence of this traditional element allows for more fluid play across the field.
- 19-player roster: Teams can dress 19 players for games, providing more tactical options for coaches.
How do these rules impact the style of play in MLL?
The unique rules of MLL contribute to a faster, more dynamic style of play compared to traditional lacrosse. The shot clock encourages quick decision-making and constant movement, while the two-point arc adds an element of risk-reward to shooting strategies. The absence of a restraining box allows for more creative offensive and defensive schemes, making the game more unpredictable and exciting for spectators.
MLL’s Broadcasting and Media Partnerships
Throughout its history, MLL has secured various broadcasting deals to increase its visibility and reach a wider audience. Initially, Fox Sports Network televised games in 2001 and 2002. From 2003 onwards, ESPN2 became the primary broadcast partner for the league. In 2007, MLL and ESPN2 extended their partnership through the 2016 season, ensuring consistent national coverage for the sport.
These media partnerships have played a crucial role in promoting the league and growing the sport’s fanbase. Regular television exposure has helped introduce lacrosse to new audiences and provided existing fans with greater access to professional-level games.
How has television coverage impacted the growth of MLL?
Television coverage has been instrumental in MLL’s growth, providing the league with a platform to showcase its talent and unique style of play to a national audience. It has helped raise the profile of lacrosse as a professional sport, attracted sponsors, and potentially inspired younger generations to take up the game. However, the challenge remains to convert casual viewers into dedicated fans and increase attendance at live games.
Notable Seasons and Milestones in MLL History
The 2008 season marked a significant turning point for MLL. It was the last season in which teams played in separate Eastern and Western conferences. The league faced financial challenges that led to the folding of several franchises, including the Los Angeles Riptide, Philadelphia Barrage, New Jersey Pride, Rochester Rattlers, and San Francisco Dragons.
Despite these setbacks, the 2008 season also saw several notable achievements:
- Casey Powell became the all-time leading scorer in MLL history on June 10, surpassing Mark Millon.
- Jesse Hubbard set a new MLL record as the all-time leading goal scorer, also surpassing Millon.
- The Rochester Rattlers clinched the Steinfeld Cup with a 16-6 victory over the Denver Outlaws.
- John Grant Jr. of Rochester was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
What impact did the 2008 season have on the future of MLL?
The 2008 season was a pivotal moment for MLL, forcing the league to reassess its structure and sustainability. The contraction of teams led to a more concentrated talent pool and potentially stronger competition. It also prompted the league to focus on strengthening its existing markets rather than rapid expansion, setting the stage for a more stable future.
MLL’s Adaptation and Rule Changes in Recent Years
As MLL entered its 2009 season, it introduced several rule changes to enhance gameplay and align more closely with other levels of lacrosse:
- Teams were allowed to field four long-stick defensemen, mirroring high school and college lacrosse rules.
- The number of players teams could dress for games increased from 18 to 19, providing more strategic options for coaches.
These changes reflected MLL’s commitment to evolving the game while maintaining its unique identity. The league continued to innovate and adapt to the changing landscape of professional sports, seeking ways to improve the fan experience and attract new audiences.
How have rule changes affected the competitive balance in MLL?
The introduction of new rules, such as allowing four long-stick defensemen, has given teams more tactical flexibility. This change has potentially led to more diverse defensive strategies and could favor teams with strong defensive depth. The increase in roster size to 19 players has also allowed for more specialization and strategic substitutions during games, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable matches.
The Future of Major League Lacrosse
As MLL continues to evolve, it faces both challenges and opportunities. The league must navigate the competitive landscape of professional sports, adapt to changing fan preferences, and continue to grow its audience. Some key factors that may influence MLL’s future include:
- Expansion into new markets
- Development of youth lacrosse programs
- Advancements in technology and fan engagement
- Competition from other professional lacrosse leagues
- Potential collaborations or mergers within the lacrosse community
What strategies could MLL employ to ensure long-term success?
To secure its future, MLL could focus on several key strategies:
- Investing in grassroots development to cultivate the next generation of players and fans
- Enhancing the digital and social media presence to engage younger audiences
- Exploring innovative game formats or rule changes to maintain excitement
- Strengthening partnerships with equipment manufacturers and sponsors
- Collaborating with other lacrosse organizations to unify and grow the sport
By adapting to changing trends and focusing on sustainable growth, MLL can position itself for long-term success in the competitive world of professional sports.
Welcome to Major League Lacrosse | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
The 2009 Major League Lacrosse season is set to start on Friday, May 15.
Major League Lacrosse? What?
Yes, and in fact, the league founded by Jake Steinfeld, Dave Morrow, and Tim Robertson will be playing in its ninth season this year.
This league has intrigued me to the point where I plan on covering it here on Bleacher Report.
But first, let’s learn some history behind the fast-growing league.
History
MLL was founded in 1999, when “Body by Jake” founder Jake Steinfeld was reading about the rising popularity of lacrosse in North America. Steinfeld, Warrior Lacrosse president Dave Morrow, and business partner Tim Robertson and founded Major League Lacrosse.
Regular season play began in June of 2001, with six teams playing 14 games. The league played with six teams until 2006, when four more teams entered the league.
The league enjoyed much success and expanded to the West.
Beginning in 2006, teams were located in Philadelphia (Barrage), Boston (Cannons), New Jersey (Pride), Long Island (Lizards), Rochester (Rattlers), Baltimore (Bayhawks), Denver (Outlaws), San Francisco (Dragons), Los Angeles (Riptide), and Chicago (Machine).
Major League Lacrosse continued to play with 10 teams throughout the 2008 season, but financial problems caused Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Rochester, and San Francisco to fold.
Toronto entered the league at the beginning of 2009, purchasing the rights of the Rochester Rattlers. They thus gained the staff and players of the Rochester squad, but the team name, colors, and history were left behind in New York for a possible team in the future.
Fox Sports Network televised games in 2001 and 2002, and ESPN2 has televised games since the 2003 season. In 2007, MLL and ESPN2 agreed to a contract that will keep Major League Lacrosse on ESPN2 until the 2016 season.
David Gross has been league commissioner since 2004.
Rules
Some of the MLL rules are different that high school and college rules.
Major League Lacrosse uses a 60-second shot clock, installed to keep the game fast and entertaining. Like basketball, if the shot clock expires the other team gains possession.
There is no restraining box in MLL due to the shot clock.
Another unique rule in Major League Lacrosse is the two-point arc. If both of the player’s feet are behind the line when the ball is scored, it is worth two points instead of one.
MLL teams are allowed to dress 19 players for games.
2008 Season
The eighth MLL season was the last in which teams played in separate conferences. The Eastern and Western conferences were eliminated at the end of the season due to the Riptide, Barrage, Pride, Rattlers, and Dragons folding.
In the offseason, there were a number of trades and player announcements. The LA Riptide traded captain Matt Ogelsby to San Francisco.
Former Ivy League player of the year Joe Boulukos announced his retirement.
San Francisco traded former MVP Ryan Powell away to Denver in exchange for a first and second round pick in the MLL Collegiate Draft.
On May 28 the Boston Cannons selected Paul Rabil with the first overall pick in the draft. Casey Powell became the all-time leading scorer in MLL history on June 10, passing Mark Millon. Jesse Hubbard also set a MLL record, becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in league history also passing Millon.
The season ended on August 24 when Rochester defeated Denver 16-6 to win the Steinfeld Cup. Joe Walters was named playoff MVP.
John Grant Jr. (Rochester) took home the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year award, and Los Angeles goalie Mickey Jarboe won Goaltender of the Year.
2009 Season
The 2009 season of Major League Lacrosse will welcome a couple of rule changes. Four long-stick defenseman will now be allowed, just like in high school and college lacrosse.
Also, teams will be able to dress 19 players for games instead of 18.
The teams competing for the Steinfeld Cup this year are the Cannons, Machine, Outlaws, Lizards, Washington Bayhawks and expansion franchise Toronto Nationals.
Casey, Ryan, and Mikey Powell, three of the game’s best and most popular players, will all sit out the 2009 season. The brothers did not report to their respective teams as of the April 1 deadline.
ESPN2 will air 11 MLL games, including live broadcasts of the All-Star Game, the first semi-final game, and the championship game.
The 2009 All-Star Game will take place in Denver, Colorado at INVESCO Field at Mile High on July 16.
The season will come to a close on the weekend of August 22 and 23 with the NewBalance MLL Championship Weekend at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (home of the Bayhawks) in Annapolis, Maryland.
Expect team previews next week for all six teams as the Major League Lacrosse season draws closer!
Top 3 MLL Teams to Restore in the PLL
Before everyone gets extremely worked up, let’s clear the air.
This is not a list of our favorite MLL teams. Nor, is it a list of the best MLL teams.
This is simply a list of which teams make the most sense to be selected as the next expansion team in the PLL from a branding standpoint.
Sorry to let down any die hard MLL fans. As we now know, there weren’t enough of you to keep the league afloat.
Never going to happen: Ohio Machine
Never say never but considering the Atlas already lay claim to being the league’s baby blue team. Perhaps, the colorway returns if the league pushes beyond 12 teams.
The Chicago Machine colorway however…
First out: Outlaws
The black and orange color scheme screams Chaos black and red. However, the history surrounding the Outlaws is too rich for the PLL to ignore and they will eventually be added to the PLL. If expansion coincides with the league shifting to a city based league, the Outlaws will be front and center. But, if the league is only going to add one team in expansion during the touring model, there are two better choices.
Riptide
This is the color scheme the Whipsnakes should have used. The Miami Dolphins, we mean, Los Angeles Riptide, generated some buzz on Lax Twitter recently thanks to Cascade sending a replica to Diggs Tape. No idea why they didn’t include the visor decal but still the best retro gear project any company has executed.
Thank you for all you do in the lacrosse community @diggstape.
In honor of #TBT we hope you enjoy your limited edition Riptide XRS. Put together with our friends at @FourgAthletics ‼️ pic.twitter.com/PkKHixt0rv
— Cascade Lacrosse (@CascadeLacrosse) March 17, 2022
Bayhawks
Sign us up for the return of navy, silver, and lime green.
Then, start retiring Bayhawk player jerseys after year one.
Our Top Choice: Launch
How the league created seven brands out of thin air and managed to avoid a blue and yellow squad is impressive.
However, if the PLL gets nervous about bringing back an MLL with positive history then one can imagine the Launch, despite having an incredibly unique color scheme relative to the existing PLL teams, won’t make the cut.
Fire anyone who let the Launch have white helmets.
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