IBL's Hamilton Cardinals acquire Solazzo from Maple Leafs

The Hamilton Cardinals have acquired veteran infielder Johnathan Solazzo (Mississauga, Ont.) from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Photo: Hamilton Cardinals

January 9, 2025

Official Toronto Maple Leafs News Release

The Hamilton Cardinals have acquired veteran infielder and seven-time All-Star Johnathan Solazzo from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for 2024 All-Star outfielder Dennis Dei Baning.

Solazzo, a Mississauga native, brings extensive experience to Hamilton as he enters his 15th IBL season. Nicknamed “The Conductor,” Solazzo is a dynamic power hitter with a storied career. He returns to Hamilton after playing with the Cardinals and Thunderbirds from 2011 to 2014, following nine seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 2024, Solazzo earned a spot as a starter in the All-Star game and was named First-Team All-IBL. He played 38 regular-season games, hitting .308 with 11 home runs, 30 RBIs, and six doubles. Over his career, he has recorded 409 hits, 68 doubles, 76 home runs, 337 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases, ranking ninth all-time in IBL RBIs and tied for fifth in career home runs.

In return, the Cardinals send outfielder Dei Baning to Toronto. Dei Baning, a 2024 IBL All-Star, has been a key part of the Cardinals’ roster since joining in 2022. Last season, he posted a .282 batting average with 10 doubles, two home runs, and 21 RBIs.

“Dennis has been a key part of our team over the past three seasons, and we’re grateful for his contributions and wish him success in Toronto,” said Cardinals Owner Eric Spearin. “John gives us another impactful bat in the infield, which has been a big focus for us all offseason. We’re excited to see him continue his storied career in Hamilton, where he has already been part of the city’s baseball history with both the Cardinals and Thunderbirds.”

The Cardinals open their 2025 season at home on Friday, May 16, against the Brantford Red Sox