News: IBL Announces 2024 Schedule

MISSISSAUGA – The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is set to launch its 105th season in 2024. The league ushers in a new era with the inclusion of its ninth team, the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. 

The season opener is scheduled for Sunday, May 12, with the London Majors visiting Christie Pits to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game will also be notable as it introduces the new Toronto ownership group.

Each team will play a 42-game schedule. With Chatham-Kent joining, the league introduces an unbalanced schedule, where teams will play against each other either five or six times, differing from the even matchups of previous years. The schedule will reverse in 2025 season. Additionally, the league has strategically arranged for 93% of its games to occur from Thursday to Monday, including holiday Mondays, thereby significantly reducing the number of games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2024 Intercounty Baseball League Schedule Highlights:

Sunday, May 12th – London at Toronto
The 2024 season will open with a new era at the Pits as long time rivals London Majors face the Toronto Maple Leafs at 2:00pm.

Friday, May 17th – Chatham-Kent at Brantford

The first game in Chatham-Kent Barnstormers history will be on the road against the Brantford Red Sox on Friday May 17th at 8:00pm

Saturday, May 18th – Barrie at Welland

The 2023 season concluded with the Welland Jackfish triumphantly lifting the Dominico Cup on Barrie’s home diamond. This year, the Jackfish will commence their home schedule with a highly anticipated rematch against Barrie, echoing last year’s final. Their enthusiastic fans, the FINatics, are set to celebrate in full spirit, cheering for their team as the reigning champions. 

Saturday, May 18th – Kitchener at Chatham-Kent

Chatham-Kent will have their home opener against the Kitchener Panthers on Saturday May 18th at 7:05pm. The Chatham-Kent community has embraced their new baseball team and Fergie Jenkins Stadium should be electric for their first IBL game at home.

Sunday, June 16th – Father’s Day
Four afternoon games highlight Father’s Day for the IBL. Hamilton will travel to London, Welland will host Guelph, Brantford heads to the pits to face Toronto and Kitchener will make the trip to Chatham-Kent. 

Monday July 1st
With Canada Day landing on a Monday, the IBL will celebrate with four matchups. The Red Sox will take on the Royals in the only afternoon matchup at 1:00pm. The rest of the games will start at 6:05pm. The Cardinals will visit the Fish at the pond, while the Baycats head to Labatt to take on the Majors and the Maple Leafs will visit the Barnstormers. 

Saturday July 20th
Commissioner Ted Kalnins has welcomed back the annual All-Star showdown. The game is expected to rotate between cities every year with the 2024 game scheduled on July 20th in Welland. Tickets are now available which will no doubtly be one of the biggest parties of the summer. Secure your seat today at https://www.wellandjackfish.com/tix

Monday, August 5

The Civic Holiday will only see one matchup as the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers visit the neighbouring London Majors for a 6:05pm first pitch. 

Sunday, August 18

The regular season will conclude with three afternoon games on August 18. Brantford will host Guelph, London will make the trip to Kitchener and Chatham-Kent will end their inaugural season at the Pits against Toronto.

The IBL can be followed on social media platforms (“ibl1919”), including Facebook.com/ibl1919.

View the full schedule below: https://www.theibl.ca/stats#/596/schedule?division_id=29323

About the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL)

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 2024 season will mark the IBL’s 105th 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 Chatham-Kent, Barrie, Brantford, Kitchener, London, Toronto, Guelph, Welland, and Hamilton. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca.

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