Burnside joins the Leafs

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@iblmapleleafs) announced today the signing of Catcher / Pitcher Ryan Burnside (Ottawa, On)

Burnside is entering his 3^rd season in the IBL after spending 2 seasons with the Hamilton Cardinals. Before joining, the Cardinals Burnside was a standout dual position player for the Carleton Ravens.

Burnside has a career IBL average of .278 (45-162) with 11 2B’s, 4 HR’s and 27 RBI’s, he has also pitched in 7 games with 16 strikeouts in 25 Innings.

“Ryan’s position flexibility will be a huge asset to a veteran team like the Leafs. He can play all 9 positions and with less wear and tear on him from catching all the time this will make him better on the mound as well. He is entering his 3^rd year and I really think we will get a boost of production as well as he is more familiar with the league and pitchers. I also feel a veteran team will help him relax and slide into a role without so much pressure put on him” GM Jeff Lounsbury

“I am super excited and grateful to Jeff for the opportunity to play for such a historic and winning organization. I am even more thrilled to join a team that enjoys coming to the field every day, supports each other and has a positive culture. I cannot wait to get to work and help the team win games and compete for a championship

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The over 100-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.mapleleafsbaseball.com or follow the Maple Leafs on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @iblmapleleafs.

This announcement is brought to you by Humberview Chevrolet, a long-time supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Photo: Art Ward