FORMER IBL UMPIRES SELECTED TO WORK MLB SPRING TRAINING

Major League Baseball (MLB) has welcomed two former Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) umpires for this year's Spring Training. Chris Marco of Waterdown, Ontario, and Steven Jaschinski of Burlington, Ontario are now potentially setting the stage for further advancement within Major League Baseball.

Chris Marco and Steven Jaschinski, both of whom have honed their skills in the IBL, Canada's top independent baseball league. The journey from the IBL to MLB is a testament to the rigorous training, dedication, and sheer talent of these individuals. Umpiring in baseball, especially at the professional level, demands a unique blend of acute observational skills, an in-depth understanding of the game, and the ability to make split-second decisions under intense pressure. Chris Marco and Steven Jaschinski have demonstrated these qualities and more, earning them the opportunity to work Spring Training games.

This opportunity could potentially open further doors for Marco and Jaschinski. Should they excel in their roles during Spring Training, they might achieve the coveted 'rover' status within MLB's umpiring ranks. This status would make them eligible to be called up to officiate in regular season MLB games, a dream for many umpires that signifies reaching the pinnacle of their profession.

The IBL wishes Chris and Steven all the best this spring!

About the IBL:

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professionals and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2023 season marked the IBL’s 105th year in operation. The IBL is one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Toronto, and Welland. For more information, visit https://www.theibl.ca or @ibl1919 on Instagram and Twitter.