IBL announces departure of commissioner John Kastner

Intercounty Baseball League commissioner John Kastner, left, will step down after the 2022 season. Photo: Brain Backland

September 19, 2022

Official Intercounty Baseball League

The Intercounty Baseball League announced on Monday that commissioner John Kastner will end his tenure following the 2022 season as he moves on to new opportunities.

The IBL has enjoyed growth, steady ownership, new partnerships and expansion during Kastner’s term as commissioner, which began in 2014.

“The Intercounty Baseball League has seen transformative change and is poised for both future growth and success, thanks to John’s leadership during the past nine years,” said Ryan Harrison, president of the Welland Jackfish, speaking as one of the three members of the IBL Executive Board. “On behalf of the IBL Board, we thank him and the league staff, for all they have done to put the IBL in this position and look forward to seeing what he does next.”

“It has been a real honour to be the Commissioner of the IBL. I have followed the league in one way or another since the 1970s and covered the league for decades as a sportswriter,” said Kastner.

“The league should be very proud of the quality of play which is better every year and for its role in the IBL communities. Personally, I’m especially proud to have been part of our 100th anniversary year where we brought together former and current players for a celebration and where we named our Top 100 team.”

Kastner will move on to a new role. He was elected the Chairman of the Board of the Ontario Hockey Federation, the largest branch of Hockey Canada.