IBL Mourns the Loss of Former Commissioner Dr. Stuart Smith

The Intercounty Baseball League is deeply saddened by the loss of former Commissioner Dr. Stuart Smith who has passed away at the age of 82.

Stuart passed away peacefully on June 10, 2020 following a courageous two-year struggle with Lewy body dementia.

Born in Montreal, Stuart received his science and medical degrees, as well as his psychiatric training, from McGill University. As a young psychiatrist, he became interested in bi-polar disorder and was one of the first practitioners to use lithium as a medication, arranging with a colleague to have a pharmacist fill capsules suitable for treatment.

Smith had a life-long interest in government and politics, and in 1965 sought the Liberal nomination for the Montreal federal riding of Mount Royal. He eventually withdrew his nomination in favour of a then-unknown Pierre Trudeau, who went on to win the election and become prime minister shortly thereafter.

A Montreal Royals fan when young, he was delighted to later interview Jackie Robinson on TV. He loved watching and attending Toronto Blue Jays games, and in 2012 became the Commissioner for the Intercounty Baseball League.

"When I first met Stuart Smith I thought it was fantastic that someone of his calibre was interested in leading the IBL," said current IBL Commissioner John Kastner. "After a year as his right-hand man he suggested that I succeed him as Commissioner and it was difficult to say no."

"He had real passion for the IBL and baseball in Ontario and he provided a steady hand on the rudder through a period where the IBL had some real challenges."