July 4, 2021

Official Hamilton Cardinals News Release

Hamilton, Ontario - The Hamilton Cardinals are pleased to announce that the Intercounty Baseball League's all-time leader in games pitched Stefan Strecker (Dundas, Ont.) will be returning for another season.

Strecker is returning to Hamilton for his second season after spending more than a decade with the Brantford Red Sox organization.

Strecker and Cardinals general manager Jeff Lounsbury's relationship goes back a long way as he pitched for Lounsbury at Brock in the late 90s. Strecker is a member of Brock’s Baseball Hall of Fame.

Strecker was a key part of the Brantford Red Sox championship teams and has been an IBL all-star numerous times.

Last season, his first in Hamilton, he pitched in 18 games, throwing 19 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts. He had a 2-1 record and two saves with an ERA of 3.20. In his IBL career, Stefan is the league’s leader in games pitched (285) and saves (42). He has also pitched 742 2/3 innings with 46 wins and 449 strikeouts.

“It is amazing to have Streck back for another season,” said Lounsbury. “He is such a professional and he keeps himself in great shape. He comes back because he loves to compete and share his wisdom with the younger players in the IBL. He is always teaching. It’s great to see him bring his family out to the park, they sacrifice so much to allow him to keep playing the game he loves and it’s truly appreciated as we feel so lucky to have him back.”

Strecker was just as appreciative upon signing.

“Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to play another season,” he said.

“With the loss of closer Kelvin Pichardo and the retirement of Tanner Guindon, the 2021 Cardinals bullpen will rely heavily on Stefan and a cast of young arms and we hope with Stefan’s wisdom, they will adjust and learn quickly. He is like having another coach,” said Lounsbury.

The Hamilton Cardinals are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 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.