Minor-league club

Answer:

FARM TEAM

Hint:

Think of the group that develops future stars before they reach the big leagues, often associated with rural training grounds.

Explanation:

A "farm team" is a common term in sports, especially baseball, for a minor-league club that develops players for the major leagues—just like a farm grows crops. The clue plays on this well-known phrase, where "minor-league club" directly points to the answer without any hidden wordplay. It’s a straightforward definition, so no tricks here, just a nod to how teams nurture talent before calling them up to the big leagues.

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General solving tip

When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.

More tips → General Hints