Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)

News: “The Ultimate”: Baseball Lifer Matetich Chases Championship

By Carlos VerdeKitchener Panthers manager Bill Matetich is the prototypical baseball manager: A former player, returning to the ballpark year upon year out of both habit and a genuine desire to help ballplayers develop.At 13-10, with wins over three of the four teams ahead of them, the Panthers are a very real threat to make…

Published

1 year ago

July 11, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

By Carlos Verde

Kitchener Panthers manager Bill Matetich is the prototypical baseball manager: A former player, returning to the ballpark year upon year out of both habit and a genuine desire to help ballplayers develop.

At 13-10, with wins over three of the four teams ahead of them, the Panthers are a very real threat to make a deep run in the Intercounty playoffs — something that would serve as a crowning achievement for the lifelong baseball man in charge.

“I was part of six championships with the (Stratford) Hillers as a player, and five as a coach at other levels (but) to do it in this league would be the ultimate,” reflected Matetich, who is in his first IBL managerial post after stops as a bench coach with Brantford and Hamilton. “It’s something I keep envisioning and telling our guys — they are talented, and have every right to think that way.”

Kitchener is unique, a community-owned club featuring both stellar Cuban imports and strong homegrown talent.

“(GM) Mike Boehmer did a great job in the off-season, (and) we’ve got a good ball club that is deep and versatile,” said Matetich. “Humberto Ruiz who is back now will be a big plus for us, and our statistics on both sides of the ball are greatly improved.”

Coaching with an eye to the mental side of the game — decades from his radar as a player in the 1980s — is important to the Panthers boss.

“We’ve focused on good fundamentals and the right attitude, starting in our winter indoor workouts,” he explained. “We did some mental health coaching, letting them know that ‘hey, you’re going to fail’ and we need to flush things when they happen.”

The Panthers will need to flush their current three-game skid, but have the core pieces to compete on any given night: infielder Raul Gonzalez has driven in an IBL-high 35 RBI, while pitcher Christian Hauck co-leads the league in wins (4).

With nearly four decades of coaching behind him, Matetich understands that the time is now — for him personally, at least — to make run at the Dominico Cup.

“It’s a lot of time, I own a business and have a very supportive family that allows me to do this four nights per week,” he reflected. “I won’t be doing it forever, but I love it — I love coming to the ballpark and seeing these guys grow.”

Matetich manages the same way he played the game: Paying attention to fundamentals and ensuring the men on his club are in the right frame of mind to compete.

“I was a bench player, a backup catcher (and) I studied the game,” remembered Matetich. “I started managing 38 years ago in junior, and I’ve loved the game since I was five years old.

“Baseball is my sanctuary, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Managing Kitchener to an Intercounty championship would be one of the greatest rewards that sanctuary has gifted him over his lifetime in the game.

Ultimately, of course, it will be up to the Panthers themselves — Gonzalez, Hauck and co. — to try and push the baseball lifer at their helm to the promised land.

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Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)

News: IBL Veteran Brett Lawson Re-Signs with Hamilton

The Hamilton Cardinals have re-signed veteran right-handed starting pitcher Brett Lawson.Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and hailing from Burlington, Lawson made a mid-season move to the Cardinals from the Welland Jackfish during the 2023 campaign. Despite a limited regular-season engagement, where he pitched 7 innings for the Cardinals, Lawson stepped up remarkably in the playoff series…

Published

10 months ago

February 1, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

The Hamilton Cardinals have re-signed veteran right-handed starting pitcher Brett Lawson.

Standing tall at 6-foot-8 and hailing from Burlington, Lawson made a mid-season move to the Cardinals from the Welland Jackfish during the 2023 campaign. Despite a limited regular-season engagement, where he pitched 7 innings for the Cardinals, Lawson stepped up remarkably in the playoff series against Barrie, delivering a standout performance by striking out 10 batters across 8 innings and achieving a commendable ERA of 3.37.

With a rich career spanning over 500 innings in the IBL and accumulating more than 400 strikeouts, Lawson’s experience is unparalleled in the league. His illustrious career includes clinching the IBL’s prestigious Dominico Cup with the Barrie Baycats from 2014 to 2018. Lawson’s professional journey was kickstarted when he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 15th round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft, following his tenure at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, marking the beginning of a six-season journey in professional baseball. The Cardinals will continue to lean on Lawson’s proven leadership and track record of success throughout the 2024 season.

“Lawson is one of the model IBL veterans, and with a young roster, we’re fortunate to have him back with us,” said George Halim, Hamilton Cardinals General Manager. “He’s a lifetime pro who knows how to get outs, and knows how to compete while giving us a chance to win when he’s out there.”

About the Hamilton Cardinals

The Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, established in 1919. For more information visit: https://www.theibl.ca & https://www.iblcardinals.ca

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Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)

News: JACKFISH ANNOUNCE CHAMPION VS. CHAMPION GAME AGAINST QUEBEC CAPITALES

WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, Niagara’s sports entertainment destination, is excited to announce they will host the 2023 Frontier League Champions Quebec Capitales for a preseason game at Welland Stadium on Monday, May 6.Gates are scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Concessions will be available and tickets…

Published

10 months ago

January 31, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

Gates are scheduled to open at 6:00 p.m. and first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. Concessions will be available and tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 905-735-9834 or by clicking here.

“It will be great to open the doors on May 6 for the exhibition against Quebec,” team President and Director of Fun, Ryan Harrison said. “I appreciate Pat Scalabrini and the entire Quebec Capitales for making this happen for us and all of our fans. It will be tremendous for our players – and our gameday staff – to get in a preseason game under the lights as we continue to prepare for Opening Day. It’s incredible to be home at the Pond.”

The Québec Capitales (French: Les Capitales de Québec) are a professional baseball team based in Quebec City, Quebec. The Capitales have been members of the Frontier League since the 2020 season after a merger between the Can-Am League and the Frontier League in October 2019. Since the 1999 season, the Capitales have played their home games at Stade Canac.

The Jackfish return to The Pond on Saturday, May 18th at 6:05 pm for their 2024 Home Opener. Season membership and flex plans are on sale now at wellandjackfish.com/2024 or by calling 905-735-9834.

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.

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Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)

News: Leafs Re-Sign Pitcher Chris Nagorski

TORONTO, Ontario – The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@MapleLeafsBaseball) announced today the re-signing of 5 time IBL Champion Right-Handed Pitcher Chris NagorskiNagorski returns for his 3rd season with the Leafs after spending 8 seasons in the IBL with Guelph and Barrie. Nagorski is 2nd all time in IBL career saves (25) and 12th all-time…

Published

10 months ago

January 30, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

TORONTO, Ontario – The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@MapleLeafsBaseball) announced today the re-signing of 5 time IBL Champion Right-Handed Pitcher Chris Nagorski

Nagorski returns for his 3rd season with the Leafs after spending 8 seasons in the IBL with Guelph and Barrie. Nagorski is 2nd all time in IBL career saves (25) and 12th all-time in appearances (136 games) . Last season in 12 games, Chris stuck out 8 and had an ERA of 5.26 in 13.2 Innings pitched.

“Chris is a tremendous team player and understands his role as a leader and late inning relief pitcher. He knows how to be ready to pitch and helps the younger players adjust to the IBL. We are excited to have him back this year.” GM Jeff Lounsbury

“I am thrilled to run it back with the boys and contribute to a new era of Toronto Maple Leaf Baseball” said Nagorkski

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-year-old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.mapleleafsbaseball.com or follow the Maple Leafs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

This announcement is brought to you by NEW ERA CAP COMPANY official hat supplier of the Toronto Maple Leaf Baseball Team. New Era | New Era Hats & Apparel – New Era Cap

Photo: Craig Aikin

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