The Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League was founded in 1966 by some of the leading baseball figures in the Metropolitan New york Area. Tony Russo, then varsity baseball coach at Long Island University, was managing a team in a summer collegiate league that folded in mid-season. He returned home determined to organize a league to serve college players in the tri-state area.

Rudy Riska (Downtown Athletic Club) and Jack Kaiser (St. Johns University) agreed to help form the ACBL. Early leadership also came from former Major Leaguers Jerry Coleman and Frank Torrre plus Hall of Fame Broadcaster Bob Wolff.

The purpose of the ACBL is to provide college baseball players with an opportunity to improve themselves and gain the kind of exposure necessary to continue onto a career in professional baseball.

The ACBL abides by NCAA rules and regulations regarding participation of student athletes in summer college leagues and is partially funded by Major League Baseball. The ACBL is a charter member of the National Alliance of College Summer Baseball (NACSB).

2012 was another big year for former ACBL players in the Major Leagues. Jamie Moyer (Allentown, 82-83) became the oldest pitcher in the big leagues to win a game when he pitched the Rockies to a 5-3 victory over the Padres at the age of 49 years and 151 days.

Ryan Vogelsong (Quakertown 96-97) had another stellar year for the San Francisco Giants with a 14-9 record and a 3.35 ERA. Vogelsong posted a 3-0 record in 4 post season starts as the Giants won the World Series. Vogey's post season ERA of 1.09 was the lowest of any starter since 1996.

Other players in the big leagues included Mike Aviles (Red Sox), Vinnie Chulk (Brewers), Brad Eldred (Tigers), John Lannan (Nationals), Zach Lutz (Mets), Joe Martinez (Diamond Backs), Drew Sutton (Rays, Pirates) and Anthony Varvaro (Braves)