Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)
News: Sidearm Stories: Developing Off-Field Talent
By Carlos VerdeTORONTO —The Intercounty Baseball League has a long history of preparing promising Ontario ballplayers for the next level, whether that be collegiate, minor league or major league baseball.But seated in Christie Pits’ rustic press box-cum-team office, the fresh-faced student running gameday operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs is hoping his off-field experience in…
By Carlos Verde
TORONTO —The Intercounty Baseball League has a long history of preparing promising Ontario ballplayers for the next level, whether that be collegiate, minor league or major league baseball.
But seated in Christie Pits’ rustic press box-cum-team office, the fresh-faced student running gameday operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs is hoping his off-field experience in the league will serve as a catapult to the professional ranks.
At 20, Jeremy Margles is a sport management student at Brock University — and at an age when his classmates are hustling to earn internships, he is managing a team of Leafs interns.
“This is real life experience, a lot different than sitting in a classroom and listening to professors,” admits Margles, who started with the Leafs as a volunteer in 2022. “Every single game, I learn one or two new things that will apply either at school or in future roles.
His current post with Toronto — still owned by the estate of Jack Dominico — is an expansive one.
“I have seven, eight of my own game-day staff that I had to recruit,” he explains. “We get 400, 500 fans per game, (and) they rely on us for the PA system, the walk-up music (and) live Pointstreak scoring.
“It’s an incredible role that’s helping me gain valuable experience.”
Following a winter of tumult for the Leafs — the departures of Damon Topolie, Roger Lajoie and later Ryan Eakin left holes in all facets of the organization — the newly-minted gameday operations manager faced the exciting yet daunting prospect of recruiting an entire gameday staff.
Margles went to work, connecting with various colleges to try and build out his team.
“A few reached out via the league website over the winter, (and) once we got into February and March, we still had a few positions including PA announcer,” he reflects. “I sent an email to the College of Sport Media, received six responses and found our guy Trevor Fitzpatrick who’s done a great job.”
A number of volunteers from Humber College’s Sport Management program rounded out his team, and the Leafs improbably had a full complement on opening day.
Beyond this summer — and likely the next, as he plans to return in 2024 before his final year at Brock — Margles is focused on kickstarting a career in professional baseball.
“I still have a few years left in school, and at 20 years old I’ve got a long road in front of me,” he admits. “But I definitely want to work in baseball, whether it be a major- or minor-league team.
“Showing up to the field every day for work in that setting is something I really look forward to.”
Until such time as the Blue Jays, Vancouver Canadians — or if the stars align, a ball club south of the border — come calling, however, Jeremy Margles will happily continue developing his off-field game at Christie Pits.
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…
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
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…
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 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.
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…
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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