Smibert and Ring Named B45 Baseball IBL Players of the Week

By Carlos Verde

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) announced its B45 Baseball Players of the Week for the week of May 29 - June 4.

Welland Jackfish infielder James Smibert (Mississauga, Ont.) was named Batter of the Week, following a .538 (7-for-13) weekend in which he drove in 10 runs and scored five himself — and helped the surging Jackfish to three wins in as many games.

Smibert, a University of Mount Olive alumnus, leads the IBL in doubles (6) and ranks third in hits (16) thus far in 2023.

Hamilton Cardinals pitcher Colby Ring (Langley, B.C.) was named Pitcher of the Week, following a six-inning shutout performance against the Toronto Maple Leafs — the league's top-ranked offence — on June 2.

Ring allowed just two hits while striking out eight en route to his first win in the IBL. The Cardinals' left-hander has now allowed one solitary earned run through 11 innings of Intercounty work.

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.