Combining a group of teams formerly in the Frontier professional League and the Central Illinois Collegiate League, the Prospect League was born out of eleven teams in the fall of 2008. As a charter member of NCAA certified summer baseball, the CICL brought a history of over 40 years and a long list of players who went on to play in MLB.

The Prospect League began play on June 4, 2009. Teams played a 56-game schedule and the victors of the east and west divisions faced off in a three-game playoff that resulted in the Quincy Gems becoming the League's first champions.

Three new teams were added for the 2010 summer and Dave Chase, former President/GM of the St. Louis Cardinals AAA affiliate, was named League commissioner. Now stretching over 600 miles, from Missouri to Pennsylvania, the growing popularity increased League-wide attendance to over 335,000 people throughout the summer. An average attendance of 860 people per game raised the attendance to nearly 150% of the 2009 season. The 2011 season saw a continued increase in per game attendance as the strength and talent of the League continued to grow.

The Prospect League continues the traditions of the CICL, upholding the standards of the National Association of Collegiate Summer Baseball (NACSB) in ensuring the amateur status of its student athletes while preparing the players for future professional careers. All ownership groups are committed to providing players a positive experience, quality instruction, and a high level of competition while offering communities first-class, affordable family entertainment.

The CICL was formed in 1963 as a charter member of the NCAAs certified summer baseball program. Throughout its 45 year history, the CICL has maintained a respected and prominent place in collegiate baseball. Names like Kirby Puckett, Mike Schmidt, Jon Papelbon, and Ryan Howard are among the nearly 150 CICL alumni who went on to play Major League Baseball.

The Prospect League's official website can be found at ProspectLeague.com.

Prospect League Commissioner Dave Chase has had a long, successful career in baseball. He has served as the Assistant GM of the Savannah Braves and President and GM of the St. Louis Cardinals AAA affiliate Memphis Redbirds. Chase worked with MLB to create their annual Civil Rights Game and has served as Publisher and President of Baseball America magazine.