Panthers Announce Field Manager

Photo by Crystal Young

KITCHENER - The Kitchener Panthers, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) today announced the hiring of Bill Matetich for the 2023 season. 

Matetich has an extensive baseball background including several years in the IBL. Bill played for the Stratford Hillers, winning numerous IBL Championships including suiting up with Philadephia Phillies World Series Manager Rob Thomson in the mid-1980’s IBL Champions.

Last season Bill served as a bench coach for the Hamilton Cardinals.

“I’d like to thank Panthers General Manager, Mike Boehmer, and everyone associated with the Kitchener Panthers, for this exciting opportunity," said Matetich. "I am excited to follow in the footsteps of great Panthers Managers like Jack Couch, Bob McKillop, and Tom McKenzie."

"Already know the talent on the roster coming in, and how supportive the fan base in Kitchener is from my previous playing and coaching days. It has always been one of my favourite places in the IBL to play and coach. I can’t wait to get started, with the goal of bringing the Panthers community an IBL Championship.”

"We are pleased to welcome Bill to the Panthers organization," said Mike Boehmer, Panthers GM. "We have a good young ballclub, and Bill brings enthusiasm, experience, analytics, and baseball knowledge to the Panthers”.         

The Kitchener Panthers are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 102-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. For more information, visit www.kitchenerpanthers.com or follow the Panthers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.