Butler to return as manager of IBL's Toronto Maple Leafs

The Intercounty Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that former big leaguer Rob Butler (East York, Ont.) will return as the team’s field manager in 2024. Photo: Giovanni Capriotti

January 22, 2024

Official Toronto Maple Leafs News Release

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the re-hiring of former Toronto Blue Jay and Maple Leaf, Rob Butler as manager for the 2024 season.

Butler spent four seasons in the major leagues with the Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies and is best known for his pinch-hit against Curt Schilling in the 1993 World Series. He is the only Canadian to win the World Series while playing in Toronto.

In 2001, Butler joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and led the IBL hitting in 2001 with a .488 average (61-for-125) with 16 doubles, six home runs, 28 RBI’s and 17 stolen bases. He went on to play five more seasons in the IBL.

After retirement, he spent many years running clinics, coaching amateur baseball and giving back to the game. Last year marked his return to the IBL as manager of the Maple Leafs for the 2023 season and lead the team to a 21-20 record and brought the team to the semi-finals.

“Rob did a great job last season as he had to learn our players and re-acquaint himself with the team. I have great confidence in Rob and believe that he will have a big impact on the 2024 season,” said Maple Leafs GM Jeff Lounsbury.

For his part, Butler is looking forward to returning to the Leafs dugout.

“I am fortunate to be back with the Maple Leafs,” he said. “The quality of baseball is fantastic and our fans are passionate. The new ownership of the Maple Leafs combined with our dedicated players is going to make this a very exciting season for the Maple Leafs. So happy to be part of it!”