The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball has announced a major honor for one of its founding figures and a proud Long Island native. The league’s championship trophy will officially be renamed the Frank Boulton Trophy in recognition of Atlantic League founder Frank Boulton and his lasting impact on independent professional baseball.
In addition to the trophy being renamed in his honor, Boulton has also been named the Atlantic League Board Chair Emeritus, recognizing decades of leadership and dedication to the growth of the league.
“The Atlantic League was the vision of Frank Boulton, and it has grown and thrived for 28 years under his leadership and guidance,” said Atlantic League President Rick White, who has served in the role since 2015.
Boulton launched the Atlantic League in 1998 after previously owning several affiliated minor league baseball teams. His goal was to create a boutique-style professional league that would give former Major League and Minor League players an opportunity to continue their careers while also bringing professional baseball to communities underserved by affiliated franchises.
The Atlantic League officially began play on May 20, 1998, with teams located in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Nashua, New Hampshire; Newark, New Jersey; Newburgh, New York; and Somerset, New Jersey. Since then, the league has expanded significantly and now includes 10 teams stretching from New York to North Carolina. The league is also expected to welcome its 50 millionth fan during the 2026 season.
Over nearly three decades, the Atlantic League has become one of the premier independent baseball leagues in the country. More than 1,450 Atlantic League players have had their contracts transferred to Major League organizations. That impressive list includes stars such as Rickey Henderson, Rich Hill, Ruben Sierra, Tim Raines, Jose Lima, and current Major Leaguers Huascar Brazoban, J.C. Escarra, and Ildemaro Vargas.
In 2019, Major League Baseball officially named the Atlantic League its first Professional Partner League, further validating Boulton’s original vision for the organization and its role in professional baseball development.
Currently, the York Revolution are the holders of the newly renamed Frank Boulton Trophy after capturing back-to-back Atlantic League championships in 2024 and 2025.
For Long Island baseball fans, it is another proud moment recognizing one of the region’s most influential figures in professional sports.