Chatham-Kent’s new Intercounty Baseball League team has been named the“Blackbirds,” following a community-wide online contest. First General Manager introduced, has storied baseball past.BLENHEIM — The Chatham-Kent Blackbirds have officially hatched. The Blackbirds will soar onto Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park in May of 2024 for C-K’s historic first season of Intercounty Baseball.The management team,…
Chatham-Kent’s new Intercounty Baseball League team has been named the“Blackbirds,” following a community-wide online contest. First General Manager introduced, has storied baseball past.
BLENHEIM — The Chatham-Kent Blackbirds have officially hatched. The Blackbirds will soar onto Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park in May of 2024 for C-K’s historic first season of Intercounty Baseball.
The management team, led by Team Owner and President Dom Dinelle, made the big announcement on Friday morning at the Red Barn Brewing Company in Blenheim following a community-wide online contest.
“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support and love from the community,” said Dinelle. “The involvement of the entire municipality is so important to us. We want this to be a team for the whole community of C-K. We now have an identity. And now the real work begins.”
The new expansion Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) franchise received more than 600 entries with 400-plus names submitted in an online contest held on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website. The five finalists on the list were revealed as North Stars, Legends, Wheat Kings, Field Kings and Blackbirds.
The Blackbirds concept was adopted by the club in relation to the popularity of the birds throughout Chatham-Kent and following an overwhelming number of “Crow” related entries in the online contest. With a nod to C-K’s feathered friends, management believes the name will aid in creating a fun and family-friendly atmosphere, while allowing for multiple options on the marketing front, with respect to logos, uniforms, a team mascot and more.
Fifteen local residents who submitted the top five finalist names will be rewarded with two tickets each to the very first Blackbirds Home Opener in 2024. There were five entries for the winning name, all of whom will also receive two tickets to the Home Opener.
Baseball lifer Harry Muir was introduced as the first-ever Blackbirds General Manager during the media and community conference. Muir, from London, spent four years in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system during their heyday of title runs in the early 90s. He also etched his name in the Canadian baseball history books by becoming the first Canadian to throw a no-hitter in international play.
Harry won a gold medal representing Team Ontario at the Canadian Nationals in Trois Rivieres with Team Ontario in 1990. Later that summer, Muir was selected to join Team Canada and traveled to Cuba for the World Junior Championships. In his first start, Harry would throw that historic first-ever no-hitter by a Canadian in international play. The following spring, Harry would travel to Florida, after being signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as a Canadian free agent directly out of high school. He would spend the next four years in their minor league system. While a member of the St Catherine’s Blue Jays, Harry was featured in an award winning documentary produced by CBC television titled, “Chasing the Dream.” In 1995, Muir found himself in Montpellier, France playing for the Barracudas of the French Premier League. He went undefeated, won another National Championship and captured “Import Pitcher of the Year” honours. Upon returning to Ontario, Harry had a brief stint with the London Majors of the IBL as a player before switching his focus to coaching for the team. Muir also spent 12 years managing and coaching in the London Tecumsehs Organization helping to grow youth players passion for the game. Recently, Harry helped launch POSI (Purpose of Sport Initiative), an organization to promote and support the growth of positive character and culture in sport.
The new ball team has also introduced their first fundraiser, a special stand-up comedy night at The Red Barn Brewing Company on Thursday, April 6. Working alongside Denny Vervaet and the Red Barn team, the Blackbirds are bringing in a special headliner and making plans for a VIP seating area, the first chance at Blackbirds merchandise and more. An announcement about tickets is expected soon.
The Blackbirds also introduced their Corporate Sales team, led by Sales Manager and Executive Assistant to the President, Mark Jackson. The sales personnel will consist of Allan Cameron (Dresden), Anthony Clark (Sarnia), Laura Kalika (Merlin), Gregg Ross (Ridgetown) and Mathew Speed (West Lorne). The sales and marketing teams will be hitting the ground running in early February, seeking corporate and community sponsorship and partnerships.
Victory Ford and Victory Lincoln in Chatham was named as the Blackbirds first corporate sponsor.
“The support from the community has been overwhelming,” said Jackson. “Shortly after announcing my involvement, Victory immediately approached us about a fit. The early support makes a big difference for the team and for the community.”
Jackson added that corporate packages are designed to accommodate any budget and to maximize return on investment while supporting Chatham-Kent’s new IBL franchise.
“Yes, we will have signage in the outfield, and yes – we will have ads in our game-day programs,” Mark added. “But we also want to offer experiences. How does taking batting practice or shagging fly balls with the team sound? Or throwing out the ceremonial first pitch? A VIP work-related team building experience? We want to think outside of the box and we want all of C-K to be able to join us for Intercounty Baseball right here at home.”
Longtime local radio host and community booster Jay Smith was also named as the club’s Vice President Executive of Media Relations and Marketing Director.
“I’m super excited for this to become a reality,” said Smith. “I’m a self professed baseball nerd and a long-time IBL and London Majors fan. I’ve wondered about the possibility of the IBL coming to C-K for decades. And now it’s happening. We’ve got that good kind of nervous energy happening right now, but there’s a lot of work to be done between now and that first pitch in May of 2024. It will take a community truly coming together to support this and to make it work. I’m proud to be a small part of it.”
The team previously introduced Chatham-Kent baseball legends Bill Atkinson and Fergie Jenkins as prominent fixtures of the organization. Atkinson will act as Team Ambassador and be in attendance at Blackbirds home games regularly. Atkinson, a pitcher, signed with MLB’s Montreal Expos in 1971 and played and coached professionally for 11 years with the Expos and Chicago White Sox organizations. Atkinson reached the majors in 1976 with Montreal and played in 98 Major League games between ‘76 and ‘79. Jenkins, Canada’s first Baseball Hall of Famer and one of Canada’s most prominent sports figures will serve as Honorary President.
Follow the Chatham-Kent Blackbirds on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ckblackbirds
The Intercounty Baseball League announced today the 2023 IBL All-Star Teams, as voted by IBL coaches and management in each of the league’s 8 member cities. 2023 IBL First Team All-Stars1B – Liam Wilson, Kitchener2B – Adam Odd, Barrie3B – Johnathan Solazzo, TorontoSS – Raul Gonzalez, KitchenerOF – Tyler Duncan, HamiltonOF – Hogan Brown, WellandOF – Andy Leader, KitchenerC – Eduardo De Oleo, LondonRHP – Owen…
The Intercounty Baseball League announced today the 2023 IBL All-Star Teams, as voted by IBL coaches and management in each of the league’s 8 member cities.
2023 IBL First Team All-Stars
1B – Liam Wilson, Kitchener 2B – Adam Odd, Barrie 3B – Johnathan Solazzo, Toronto SS – Raul Gonzalez, Kitchener OF – Tyler Duncan, Hamilton OF – Hogan Brown, Welland OF – Andy Leader, Kitchener C – Eduardo De Oleo, London RHP – Owen Boon, London LHP – Frank Garces, Barrie DH – Ryan Rijo, Barrie
2023 IBL Second Team All-Stars
1B – Jordan Castaldo, Toronto 2B – Dan Marra, Toronto 3B – Matthew Fabian, Brantford SS – Jose Vinicio, Toronto OF – Canice Ejoh, Barrie OF – Blake Jacklin, Kitchener OF – Starling Joseph, London C – Justin Marra, Toronto RHP – Yuki Narita, Guelph LHP – Wilgenis Alvarado, Toronto DH – Steven Moretto, Welland
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2022 season marked the IBL’s 104th in operation. The IBL is one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Kitchener, London, Toronto, Guelph, Welland, and Hamilton. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca.
News: Brantford’s Matthew Fabian Named IBL Rookie of the Year
The Intercounty Baseball League on Monday announced that Matthew Fabian of the Brantford Red Sox has been named IBL Rookie of the Year and the recipient of the Brian Kerr Memorial Trophy.The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the IBL as determined…
The Intercounty Baseball League on Monday announced that Matthew Fabian of the Brantford Red Sox has been named IBL Rookie of the Year and the recipient of the Brian Kerr Memorial Trophy.
The award is presented annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the IBL as determined in a vote of IBL directors. Brian Kerr was a former player with the Waterloo Tigers in the 1940’s. In 1964 he managed the Kitchener Panthers.
Steven Moretto of Welland finished second.
Fabian recorded a .406 average with 7 doubles and 1 home run. Appearing in 32 games with the Red Sox, the Toronto, Ontario native also recorded 15 RBI and a .787 fielding percentage as a third baseman.
IBL Rookie of the Year Winners 2023 Matthew Fabian, Brantford 2022 Sam Cawker, Welland Jackfish 2021 Hayden Jaco, London Majors 2019 Brendan Dadson, Welland Jackfish 2018 Garret Takamatsu, Toronto 2017 Zac Orchard, Toronto 2016 Connor Morro, Barrie 2015 Adam Odd, Burlington 2014 Chandler McLaren, Guelph 2013 Tanner Nivins, Kitchener 2012 Clay Caufield, Toronto 2011 Shaun Valeriote, Kitchener 2010 Andy St. Gelais, London 2009 Marcus Knecht, Oshawa 2008 Randy Schwartz, Barrie 2007 Lee Witmer, Kitchener 2006 Rudy Vallejos, London 2005 Ryan Asis, Guelph 2004 T.J. Shimizu, Brantford 2003 Harpreet Padda, Kitchener 2002 Brad Grievison, Barrie 2001 Cameron Newitt, Toronto 2000 John Ogiltree, Guelph 1999 Chad Ertel, Toronto 1998 Brad Drew, Guelph 1997 Matt Stockman, Toronto 1996 Dominic Campeau, Toronto 1995 Jason Gooding, Brantford 1994 Todd Schell, Stratford 1993 Dean Castelli, Hamilton 1992 Todd Hlushko, Guelph 1991 Rob Nixon, Toronto 1990 Rick Ross, St. Thomas 1989 Clark Austin, Guelph 1988 Richard Thompson, London 1987 Mike Dorrington, Brantford 1986 Martin Cauchon, St. Thomas 1985 Randy Curran, Kitchener 1984 Paul Kirkpatrick, Toronto 1983 Paul Fulton, Stratford 1982 Scott Mann, Cambridge 1981 Mike Holgate, Windsor 1980 Joe Ivan, Windsor 1979 Paul McKeegan, Toronto 1978 John Gourley, London 1977 Bruno Jurgaitis, Toronto 1976 Craig Kennedy, Brantford 1975 Jamie Corke, Brantford 1974 Phil Schmidt, London 1973 Bill Carey, Guelph 1972 Terry Holbrook, London 1971 John Osborne, Toronto
The Intercounty Baseball League on Monday announced that Tyler Duncan of the Hamilton Cardinals has been named IBL Most Valuable Player and the recipient of the John Bell Memorial Trophy.The John Bell Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team. The winner is selected…
The Intercounty Baseball League on Monday announced that Tyler Duncan of the Hamilton Cardinals has been named IBL Most Valuable Player and the recipient of the John Bell Memorial Trophy.
The John Bell Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team. The winner is selected by the IBL Board of Governors at the end of the regular season. John Bell was a Listowel native who was largely responsible for Stratford’s return to their Intercounty Baseball league in 1964.
Raul Gonzalez of Kitchener finished second, followed by Toronto’s Jonathan Solazzo.
Tyler Duncan recorded a .355 average with 6 doubles, 5 triples, league-leading 16 home runs, and 51 RBI while starting in all 42 regular season games.
IBL MVP Winners 2023 Tyler Duncan, Hamilton Cardinals 2022 Claudio Custodio, Guelph Royals 2021 Garrett Takamatsu, Toronto Maple Leafs 2019 Jordan Castaldo, Barrie 2018 Justin Marra, Toronto 2017 Sean Reilly, Kitchener 2016 Tanner Nivins, Kitchener 2015 Sean Reilly, Kitchener 2014 Jordan Castaldo, Barrie 2013 Sean Reilly, Toronto 2012 Frank Hare, Guelph 2011 Sean Reilly, Barrie 2010 Ryan Spataro, Barrie 2009 Jamie Pogue, Guelph 2008 Frank Hare, Guelph 2007 Jeff Pietraszko, Kitchener 2006 Jordan Lundberg, Barrie 2005 Ryan Spataro, Barrie 2004 Rich Butler, Toronto 2003 Paul Spoljaric, Toronto 2002 Luke Baker, Kitchener 2001 Rob Butler, Toronto 2000 Randy Curran, Kitchener 1999 Jeff Pietraszko, Kitchener 1998 Randy Curran, Kitchener 1997 Rob Patterson, Toronto 1996 Dominic Campeau, Toronto 1995 Erik Laseke, Guelph, 1995 Jason Rausch, Kitchener, 1995 and Mark Fraser, Stratford 1994 Erik Laseke, Guelph 1993 Erik Laseke, Guelph and 1993 Randy Curran, Kitchener 1992 Rick Johnston, Toronto 1991 Scott Gardiner, Toronto 1990 Rick Johnston, Toronto 1989 Bill Byckowski, Toronto 1988 Barry Petrachenko, Stratford 1987 Darrell Kemp, Niagara Falls 1986 Kevin Aitcheson, Stratford 1985 Bill Byckowski, Toronto 1984 Rob Froese, Kitchener 1983 Mike Yearout, Kitchener 1982 Gary Borg, Cambridge 1981 Phil Turner, St. Thomas 1980 Bill Martin, Kitchener 1979 Brian Walters, Toronto 1978 Jeff Jens, Stratford 1977 Kevin Higgins, Stratford 1976 Denis Flanagan, Stratford 1975 Mike Kilkenny, London 1974 Jim Ridley, Stratford 1973 Bob McKillop, Kitchener 1972 Alf Payne, Toronto 1971 Bob McKillop, Kitchener 1970 Tom McKenzie, Kitchener 1969 Bob McKillop, Kitchener 1968 Bob McKillop, Kitchener 1967 Ron Stead, Guelph 1966 Al Greenberg, London 1965 Ron Stead, Brantford 1964 Rolf Scheel, London 1963 Ron Stead, Brantford 1962 John Poholsky, Guelph 1961 Wallace “Spud” Bush, Brantford 1960 Ron Stead, Brantford 1959 Stan Anderson, London 1958 Johnny Ambrose, St. Thomas 1951 Wilmer Fields, Brantford 1950 Alex Kvasnak, Waterloo 1949 Tommy White, London 1948 John Bain, Kitchener 1947 Bob Schnurr, Kitchener 1937 George Miskimmons, Stratford 1936 Frank Colman, London 1935 Bruno Pollock, St. Thomas 1934 Alfred White, London 1933 Leo Doan, St. Thomas 1932 James “Lefty” Hill, K-W 1931 Wilbur Kress, Galt 1930 Gordon Bradshaw, Galt 1929 Johnny Jones, Guelph 1928 Jim O’Connor, Guelph 1927 Harold Lynch, Galt
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