Jesse Hodges returns for 2024

TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@iblmapleleafs) announced today the signing of Pitcher/ 3rd Baseman Jesse Hodges (Victoria, BC)

The former Team Canada member will be returning for his 2^nd season with Toronto after spending 7 seasons in Minor League Baseball and 2 Seasons with Quebec of the Frontier League. Hodges now living and coaching in Toronto had a productive first season in the IBL hitting .242 ( 16-66) with 4 2B’s, 2 HR’s and 12 RBI’s. He also went 1-0 with an ERA of 2.45 in 11 Innings pitched.

Originally signed as a free agent to the Chicago Cubs organization, Hodges spent 7 years in the minors reaching as high as AA in 2018-19. He had a career average of .239 (463-1,938) with 94 2B's, 34 Hr's and 243 RBI's. He also spent 2019 and 2021 playing for Quebec in the Frontier League. Hodges has represented Canada numerous times on the International stage including Team Canada in the 2015 Pan Am Games and the 2021 WBSC America's Qualifier.

"Jesse was an instant fan favourite and clubhouse leader. He always had a smile on his face and was so competitive. It had been a few years since he had played and I think 2024 we will see even better on field results as he will now be more accustomed to the IBL and hopefully his work life will allow him to play a bit more during the season as well.” said GM Jeff Lounsbury

"I am excited for another year to enjoy the game of baseball at the Pits" Jesse Hodges

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.

photo: Craig Aikin