Panthers infielder Gonzalez named IBL Player of the Month

Kitchener Panthers infielder Raul González has been named the Intercounty Baseball League's Rawlings Player of the Month for May. Photo: Dan Congdon

June 5, 2023

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) has announced that Kitchener infielder Raul González has been named the League's Rawlings Player of the Month for May 2023.

The Panthers' shortstop posted a league-best .591 batting average in the opening month of the campaign, swatting four home runs and driving in 10.

A native of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, González is in his rookie IBL campaign after spending the last 17 seasons in Cuba's Serie Nacional top division.

Seven of his 13 hits — 32 per cent of his total at-bats — have been for extra bases, and he has played a key role in Kitchener's red-hot 4-1 start to the 2023 season.

Honourable Mentions

Johnathan Solazzo, IF, Toronto

Eduardo De Oleo, C, London

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is a top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professionals and elite NCAA college baseball players. 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.