How did Major League Lacrosse begin. What teams have been part of MLL since its inception. How has the league evolved over the years. What unique rules set MLL apart from other lacrosse leagues. How has MLL impacted the growth of professional lacrosse in North America.
The Birth and Early Years of Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse (MLL) emerged as a pioneering force in professional lacrosse in North America. Founded in 1999 by Jake Steinfeld, Dave Morrow, and Tim Robertson, the league aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of lacrosse across the continent. Steinfeld, known for his “Body by Jake” fitness empire, saw potential in the sport’s fast-paced nature and decided to create a professional platform for lacrosse athletes.
The inaugural MLL season kicked off in June 2001 with six teams competing in a 14-game regular season. This marked a significant milestone in the sport’s history, as it provided a professional avenue for lacrosse players to showcase their skills and pursue careers in the game they loved.
Early Expansion and Growth
The league’s initial success paved the way for expansion. In 2006, MLL welcomed four new teams, bringing the total to ten franchises. This expansion included teams in major markets such as Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, and Long Island, as well as ventures into the western United States with franchises in Denver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
- Philadelphia Barrage
- Boston Cannons
- New Jersey Pride
- Long Island Lizards
- Rochester Rattlers
- Baltimore Bayhawks
- Denver Outlaws
- San Francisco Dragons
- Los Angeles Riptide
- Chicago Machine
This rapid expansion demonstrated the league’s ambition and the growing appetite for professional lacrosse across diverse regions of North America.
MLL’s Unique Rules and Gameplay Innovations
Major League Lacrosse introduced several rule modifications to differentiate itself from college and high school lacrosse, aiming to create a more dynamic and spectator-friendly version of the sport.
The 60-Second Shot Clock
One of the most significant innovations was the introduction of a 60-second shot clock. This rule change was designed to maintain a fast-paced game and prevent teams from stalling. If a team fails to take a shot on goal within the allotted time, possession is turned over to the opposing team, similar to basketball’s shot clock rule.
The Two-Point Arc
Another unique feature of MLL is the two-point arc. Goals scored from behind this arc are worth two points instead of the standard one point, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game. This rule encourages long-range shooting and can lead to dramatic momentum shifts during matches.
Roster and Equipment Modifications
MLL teams are allowed to dress 19 players for games, a slight increase from the traditional 18. Additionally, the league has experimented with equipment modifications, such as allowing four long-stick defensemen on the field simultaneously, aligning more closely with high school and college rules.
Television Coverage and Media Partnerships
Media exposure has played a crucial role in MLL’s growth and popularity. The league’s television journey began with Fox Sports Network airing games in 2001 and 2002. However, a significant breakthrough came in 2003 when ESPN2 became the primary broadcast partner for MLL games.
In 2007, MLL and ESPN2 solidified their partnership with a long-term agreement that secured television coverage through the 2016 season. This deal provided the league with consistent national exposure, helping to grow its fan base and attract sponsors.
Impact of Television Coverage
Television coverage has been instrumental in:
- Introducing the sport to new audiences
- Providing existing fans with regular access to professional lacrosse
- Enhancing the league’s credibility and professional status
- Creating revenue streams through advertising and sponsorships
Notable Seasons and League Milestones
Throughout its history, MLL has witnessed numerous memorable moments and significant milestones that have shaped the league’s identity and contributed to the growth of professional lacrosse.
The 2008 Season: A Turning Point
The 2008 season marked the last year of conference play in MLL, with teams divided into Eastern and Western conferences. This season 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 overtaking Mark Millon.
- The Rochester Rattlers clinched the Steinfeld Cup with a decisive 16-6 victory over the Denver Outlaws.
- John Grant Jr. of Rochester was named MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
The 2009 Season: Adapting to Change
The 2009 season brought significant changes to MLL:
- The league contracted to six teams due to financial challenges, with several franchises folding.
- Toronto entered the league, acquiring the rights to the Rochester Rattlers.
- Rule changes allowed for four long-stick defensemen and 19 dressed players per game.
- The All-Star Game was held at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
- The season concluded with the NewBalance MLL Championship Weekend at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland.
Player Achievements and Record-Breaking Performances
MLL has been home to numerous lacrosse legends who have set records and elevated the sport to new heights. These player achievements have been crucial in building the league’s reputation and attracting fans.
Record-Breaking Performances
Some of the most notable player achievements in MLL history include:
- Casey Powell becoming the all-time leading scorer
- Jesse Hubbard setting the record for most career goals
- John Grant Jr.’s dominant 2008 season, earning him MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors
- Mickey Jarboe’s stellar goaltending, earning him Goaltender of the Year in 2008
The Powell Brothers’ Impact
Casey, Ryan, and Mikey Powell, widely regarded as some of the best and most popular players in lacrosse, have had a significant impact on MLL. Their decision to sit out the 2009 season highlighted the challenges faced by professional lacrosse players and the league in retaining top talent.
Challenges and Evolution of Major League Lacrosse
Despite its initial success and rapid expansion, MLL has faced numerous challenges throughout its history. These obstacles have forced the league to adapt and evolve, shaping its current structure and operations.
Financial Struggles and Team Contraction
Following the 2008 season, MLL experienced significant financial difficulties, leading to the folding of several franchises:
- Los Angeles Riptide
- Philadelphia Barrage
- New Jersey Pride
- Rochester Rattlers
- San Francisco Dragons
This contraction reduced the league from ten teams to six, marking a period of consolidation and reorganization for MLL.
Adapting to Market Realities
The league’s contraction forced MLL to reassess its expansion strategy and focus on markets with strong lacrosse traditions and fan bases. This led to a more concentrated effort to build sustainable franchises in key lacrosse hotbeds.
The Legacy and Future of Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse has played a pivotal role in the growth and professionalization of lacrosse in North America. Despite facing challenges, the league has left an indelible mark on the sport and paved the way for future professional lacrosse endeavors.
Contributions to Lacrosse’s Growth
MLL’s impact on the sport includes:
- Providing a professional platform for lacrosse players
- Introducing innovative rules that have influenced other levels of play
- Expanding the sport’s reach through national television coverage
- Inspiring a new generation of lacrosse players and fans
The Future of Professional Lacrosse
While MLL has faced challenges, its legacy continues to influence the landscape of professional lacrosse. The emergence of new leagues, such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), builds upon the foundation laid by MLL, suggesting a bright future for professional lacrosse in North America.
As the sport continues to evolve, the lessons learned from MLL’s successes and struggles will undoubtedly shape the future of professional lacrosse, ensuring that the fastest game on two feet maintains its exciting pace both on and off the field.
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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