Intercounty Baseball League hires Kalnins as new commissioner

The Intercounty Baseball League has named Ted Kalnins as their new commissioner. Photo: Intercounty Baseball League

February 7, 2023

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

The Intercounty Baseball League has named Ted Kalnins as commissioner.

Kalnins joins the IBL as a practicing commercial litigation lawyer who has appeared before many courts and tribunals, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal of Ontario and the Federal Court.

"I am extremely honoured to accept the position of Commissioner of the Intercounty Baseball League, being Canada’s oldest Independent Baseball League," said Ted Kalnins. "From former major leaguers such as Dalton Pompey, to international players from the U.S., the Caribbean, and South America, to younger prospects who are on track for the MLB Draft, the depth of baseball talent in the IBL has never been better. I greatly look forward to working with our owners and players in continuing to grow and enhance the IBL’s visibility and success."

Kalnins brings first-hand experience of having played in the IBL for the Hamilton Cardinals (2001) and London Majors from 2006 to 2009. His involvement in the sport continued as a board member with the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame from 2012 to 2017.

In addition to his legal practice, Ted is the president of Scholars Education, an educational support franchise system that provides individualized tutoring programs for students of all ages, all grades, and in all subjects.

“We conducted a thorough search process and spent time with a deep pool of candidates from multiple areas of our industry,” said Ryan Harrison, IBL Executive Board member and president of the Welland Jackfish. “Ted is everything we were looking for. He brings an amazing track record of business success, a passion and deep understanding of baseball, and a clear vision of where we want to go as a league. He will be the perfect leader for the IBL and a welcome difference-maker in taking our league to the next level.”

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is a top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2023 season will mark the IBL’s 104th in operation. The IBL is one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues 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.