Definition of "minor league" []

• A league of professional sports clubs that are not in the major leagues but are usually owned by or affiliated with major-league teams. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Hernandez gets minor league deal with NationalsVIERA, Fla."
• "Mets decline 2010 option on reliever J.J. PutzNEW YORK - The New York Mets have declined an option on reliever J.J. Mets minor league pitcher Castro dies at 18 of apparent heart attack"
• "Mets add Mike Jacobs and Hisanori TakahashiNEW YORK - The New York Mets agreed Thursday to minor league contracts with first baseman Mike Jacobs and left-hander Hisanori Takahashi after missing out on several free agents with higher profiles."