LONDON – The London Majors are pleased to announce the signing of local outfielder Will Pollard.

Pollard joins the Majors after playing for the Western Mustangs during the fall season where he was a teammate of Majors outfielder Austin Wilkie. This past year for the Mustangs Pollard hit an average of .286 with 10 rbi with 12 runs in 13 games. Pollard is also an alumni of the St. Thomas Tomcats junior team where he had a .400 average and 9 RBIs in 7 games during the 2022 season.

Pollard also played with the London Badgers where he was a teammate of Majors AP players, Jaryd Lund and Connor Ambrogio, where they teamed up in 2018 and won gold in Fort McMurray.

Growing up in London, it’s a dream come true for Pollard who shared memories of attending games “As a kid, I remember having a blast going to majors games. Whether that be running around the bases, chasing after foul balls, getting autographs, you name it. I specifically remember this one moment when Cleveland Brownlee hit a grand slam on Mother’s Day to help give the majors the win. The atmosphere in the park was absolutely incredible.”

Another new Major, Roop was asked about adding to the local talent pool on the Majors roster and how important it is to the success of the team “Will is another good local player that we have added to our roster.” He then went on to talk about what he brings to the roster “Will is a line-drive hitter with some pop and is a good defensive outfielder”

The London Majors are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. In 2021 the London Majors won the IBL Jack & Lynn Dominico Trophy. The 100-year-old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world. The league was established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. For more information, visit www.londonmajors.com or follow the Majors on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and TikTok at @Londonmajors

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The Kitchener Panthers would like to congratulate 2019 IBL All-Star, Yoennis Yera, on his selection to team Cuba’s World Baseball Classic roster.

The bulldog competitor went 7-1 with a 3.88 ERA in 2019 for the Panthers, making 12 starts and picking up 87 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched.

The 33 year old is a veteran of the Cuban National Series, having been the longtime ace of the Matanzas Crocodiles and recording a career record of 98 wins and 50 losses across 14 seasons with a 3.24 ERA. He has recorded 1023 strikeouts and has a dominant 3.38 strikeouts to walks ratio.

Yoennis made headlines last year while dominating for the Tabasco Olmecas of the Mexican AAA league where he was named a league All-Star as well as tossing a complete game no- hitter. He was one of the top arms in the league with an 8-2 record, ERA of 3.01 and 88 strikeouts in 86.2 innings pitched.

Yera will be suiting up alongside the likes of MLB stars Luis Robert (White Sox), Yoan Moncada (White Sox) and former Mets and A’s slugger Yoenis Cespedes as Cuba is scheduled to play in the opening game of the tournament on March 8th vs the Netherlands.

Yoennis is amongst a group of 5 former Panthers who have represented Team Cuba at the world baseball classic which includes Frank Morejon, Noelvis Entenza, Jonder Martinez and Miguel Lahera.

We wish Yoennis the best of luck in what will be his second appearance at the World Baseball Classic and look forward to his expected return to Kitchener in the coming years.

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HAMILTON – The Hamilton Cardinals are excited to announce the signing of pitcher Alex Lanigan for the upcoming 2023 season.

Lanigan, 20, born in Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts, Quebec, and residing in Langley, British Columbia, is a current student at the University of Calgary and a member of the school’s baseball team. The right-hander logged 18.2 IP this previous season with the Dinos, amassing 22 strikeouts to just seven walks and a 0.96 ERA.

“Lanny has it in him to pitch intelligently – so adding depth, more youth, and brains makes us smarter in the bullpen overnight,” said George Halim, Hamilton Cardinals General Manager. “Given the opportunities, Lanny will have in his life beyond baseball, it’s humbling for me to watch him choose Hamilton as his baseball option. We’re very fortunate to have him in our bullpen.”

Lanigan previously pitched for the Edmonton Prospects of the WCBL, along with the Whalley Jr.

Chiefs of the BCJPBL.

The Hamilton Cardinals are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League and are preparing for their 65th year as a franchise. 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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