London Majors
Lots of life in Majors’ bats to start season
Around the Diamond: London’s offense has gotten the job done in three early wins; Cardoso has something to prove; Payano looking like an ace; Challenge ahead against champs — and more champs.
Playoff preview: Majors battle Cardinals in first round
Around the Diamond: London set for series against Hamilton; Will pitching decide this first-round matchup?; Duncan does damage on Cardinals offense; London’s deep bullpen could be wild card
Majors enter stretch drive with work to do
Around the Diamond: They’re 4th in the IBL standings, but Majors must find more offense; Two big ones against Barrie; Tyler Gillies a welcome addition to ’pen; Payano’s arm has been valuable
Majors look for wins and showcase their all-stars
Around the Diamond: Majors get back on track, but where are the runs? Is Krzeminski coming around? All-Stars on display this weekend; Home has its advantages
Majors cementing selves as contenders in 2024
Around the Diamond: Majors’ pitching suddenly among league’s best; Who will represent London at All-Star Game in Welland?; Can Cardoso continue hit streak?; Drew Lawrence offers glimpses of leading man
Majors, finding ways to win, face challenging weekend
Around the Diamond: Despite quiet bat, Reichstein reaching base; Reliever Henry honing arsenal; Good record aside, much room for improvement for London; Osika, Mosher give Majors a good problem
Knights face Conference test vs. Rangers
Knights turn tide with OT wins
Lightning crashes: London calls it quits on BSL, Forest City
London looks to get offense going
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About the Majors
Founded in 1925, the London Majors are an amateur baseball team that competes in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), the top summer league in Canada since 1919. They play their home games at Labatt Memorial Park, the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world. Going under different names for their first 50 seasons, London’s Intercounty entry won 11 league championships. The team adopted the Majors nickname for good in 1975.
That same year, the Majors won their 12th (and most recent) league title, led by former major league pitcher Mike Kilkenny and manager Roy McKay. In 1984 and 1985, the team was headlined by Hall-of-Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins, who had recently retired from the MLB.
In 2004, under new ownership (Scott Dart), the Majors reached their first Intercounty final since 1982, losing to the Guelph Royals. In 2005, Roop Chanderdat was brought in as co-owner and general manager. In 2006, he also took over managing duties. Under Chanderdat, the Majors have reached the IBL final three times, most recently in 2014. The team has also won the pennant race (first place in regular season) in 2008 and 2016.
In 2017, Chanderdat became the franchise’s winningest manager, surpassing McKay’s previous record of 257 wins. In 2019, he passed the 300-win milestone. That same season, long-time Major and fan-favourite Cleveland Brownlee, the franchise’s home run leader, reached the 100 home-run mark.