Alvarado, Pearce Named B45 Baseball IBL Players of the Week

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) announced its B45 Baseball Players of the Week for July 3 to 9, 2023.

Toronto Maple Leafs left-hander Wilgenis Alvarado (Maracay, Ven.) was named Pitcher of the Week, following an eight-inning shutout performance against Welland on Saturday.

A former Toronto Blue Jays farmhand, Alvarado allowed just two hits while striking out three in shutting down the IBL's first-place team. Since being converted to a starting pitcher, he has allowed one earned run in 18 innings.

Welland Jackfish infielder McCoy Pearce (Kamloops, B.C.) earned Batter of the Week honours, following a 10-for-19 (.526) week during which he led the league in RBI (9) and doubles (3).

Pearce, who played for Okotoks (WCBL) in 2022, drove in runs in each of Welland's four victories over the course of the week — and is now hitting .358 on the season with 19 RBI in as many games.

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professionals and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2022 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. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca.