With all the excitement around the Stanley Cup right now, and with Toronto’s obsession with their (unsuccessful) Leafs, you might be surprised to learn that our original Maple Leafs team was not hockey… but baseball.
Started in 1896, this triple AAA team was once the best in class. My Dad owns an original Maple Leafs uniform because when the team was dismantled in 1967, their uniforms were given to local ball teams around the area (he was in Campbellville). In 1977, the Bluejays came to Toronto, but we didn’t have a professional baseball team at all between the Leafs and the Jays (gasp!).
The Intercounty Maple Leafs started playing in the semi-pro Intercounty Baseball League in 1969. Continuously owned by Jack Dominico (and until her passing in 2008, his wife Lynne as well), you can watch these off-ice Leafs play – for FREE – this summer on Dominico Field at Christie Pits.
Upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs Home Games:
Sunday, June 12 – Brantford at Toronto 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 15 – Hamilton at Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 19 – Brantford at Toronto 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 26 – Burlington at Toronto 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 29 – Burlington at Toronto 7:30 p.m.Sunday, July 3 – London at Toronto 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 6 – Barrie at Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 10 – Brantford at Toronto 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 13 – Hamilton at Toronto 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 17 – Kitchener at Toronto 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 24 – London at Toronto 2 p.m.
So, whip out your folding lawn chair, stock up that cooler, and let’s all root for the home team this summer. At least these Leafs have a chance of winning.
Play ball!
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