July 9, 2020

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

CAMBRIDGE - The Intercounty Baseball League began in 1919 and has played every year since but, because of COVID-19, that streak of 101 straight seasons, ends this year.

In March, three of the league’s eight teams made a decision that baseball for them was not viable in 2020. Today, the other five teams in the league reluctantly abandoned any hope of having a schedule this year.

There remained a myriad of obstacles to operating in 2020 because of COVID-19.

Many aspects of life in the province are returning to some sense of normalcy, albeit slowly and cautiously. However, a clear path for team sports – that includes fans, is not imminent and the five teams that were still hoping to play this year – Guelph, Hamilton, London, Toronto, and Welland – unanimously decided a meaningful season was no longer viable in 2020.

Several IBL clubs, where allowed, plan to hold events and activities at their facilities in 2020 including summer camps, community events, and some potential of baseball.

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2020 season would have been the IBL’s 102nd in operation. The IBL is the fifth-longest continually operated baseball league in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Kitchener, London, Toronto, Guelph, Welland, and Hamilton.

For more information, visit www.theibl.ca.