Intercounty Basbeall League (ON)

News: Sidearm Stories: Solazzo at 300

By Carlos VerdeAt Ottawa Stadium, a young Johnathan Solazzo takes his first few tentative hacks as an Intercounty Baseball League player.The date is May 16th, 2010.Katy Perry’s California Gurls has just been released, Instagram does not exist and Alexei Ponikarovsky is still a member of the (hockey) Leafs.Solazzo’s line on the day is an ugly…

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2023

Dugout Wire Service

By Carlos Verde

At Ottawa Stadium, a young Johnathan Solazzo takes his first few tentative hacks as an Intercounty Baseball League player.

The date is May 16th, 2010.

Katy Perry’s California Gurls has just been released, Instagram does not exist and Alexei Ponikarovsky is still a member of the (hockey) Leafs.

Solazzo’s line on the day is an ugly one, the kind that reflects the Sunday-in-Ottawa, late-night team bonding reality: The young Mississauga Twin goes 0-for-3, two strikeouts, and the visitors drop a 5-1 decision.

“We loved it when Ottawa was in the league, we definitely went out and bonded as teammates,” laughs Solazzo some 13 years later, still playing — and now a bona fide star — in the Intercounty League. “It was a tough game on the Sunday there, their pitcher (Danny Desclouds) was throwing good and got me twice.”

It’s a warm Wednesday evening at Christie Pits; Solazzo’s Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing to host the Kitchener Panthers, and the 32-year-old third baseman just eclipsed the career 300-RBI mark four days prior.

“It’s been a career,” he chuckles. “I’ve met lots of people, lots of friends who I’d consider best friends and even family.

“It’s been something special for me, (and) I’ve played with greats and coaches that coached me when I was little.”

Solazzo at 32, an established veteran in a league, is an entirely different person than the Mississauga Twins rookie from that afternoon in Ottawa.

“I wasn’t the greatest kid, and I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons,” he readily admits. “Now I’m working with CN Rail as a conductor, grinding out nights (and) it’s a battle — but I’m happy with where I’m at, trying to stay humble and enjoy the ride.”

There’s a long-term girlfriend, Kim, in the picture, and the constant hustle that defined Solazzo’s career: On the ball field, in the gym, in life.

“We’ve been dating for three years now, that’s something special and we’re talking next steps (so) that’s obviously exciting,” says the towering Mississauga product. “Grinding it out with work, working side businesses in concrete with my friends. I’m a busy guy, but I’m happy and really enjoying life.”

His milestone came in the midst of a ridiculous five-game stretch during which he hit .450 and drove in 17 runs, and the Leafs — 6-2 and fresh off a dominant win over Kitchener — are once again a force to be reckoned with.

“To win a championship with Toronto would be amazing, ever since Jack (Dominico) brought me over from Hamilton we always wanted to win it for him,” reflects Solazzo, who paced the Leafs with 47 RBI in 2022. “To win it with this group of guys would be incredible — for us, for the fans, the Bushmen, for my parents up there.

“It would be really special.”

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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…

Published

11 months ago

February 1, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

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

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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…

Published

11 months ago

January 31, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

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.

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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…

Published

11 months ago

January 30, 2024

Dugout Wire Service

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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