News: IBL Announces the Departure of Commissioner John Kastner After Nine Transformational Seasons

Photo by Brian Backland

The Intercounty Baseball League (@IBL1919), the top-level baseball league in Canada today announced that Commissioner John Kastner will end his tenure following the 2022 season as he moves on to new opportunities.

The IBL has enjoyed growth, steady ownership, new partnerships, and expansion during Kastner’s term as Commissioner, which began in 2014.

“The Intercounty Baseball League has seen transformative change and is poised for both future growth and success, thanks to John’s leadership during the past nine years,” said Ryan Harrison, President of the Welland Jackfish, speaking as one of the three members of the IBL Executive Board. “On behalf of the IBL Board, we thank him and the league staff, for all they have done to put the IBL in this position and look forward to seeing what he does next.”

“It has been a real honour to be the Commissioner of the IBL. I have followed the league in one way or another since the 1970s and covered the league for decades as a sportswriter” said Kastner.

“The league should be very proud of the quality of play which is better every year and for its role in the IBL communities. Personally, I’m especially proud to have been part of our 100th anniversary year where we brought together former and current players for a celebration and where we named our Top 100 team.”

John will move on to a new role as he was elected the Chairman of the Board of the Ontario Hockey Federation, the largest branch of Hockey Canada.

ABOUT THE INTERCOUNTY BASEBALL LEAGUE

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 103rd 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 theIBL.ca and find @IBL1919 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information visit theIBL.ca.

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