MLB to help Australia set up 2nd professional league

MELBOURNE: Australia will establish a new professional baseball league as early as next year with backing from the government and North America's Major League Baseball.

The sport has struggled to gain a foothold in Australia, and the country's first professional league folded under heavy debts in 1999 after lasting only 10 years.

Australia's government has pledged $400,000 to help the league's development.