Toronto sign outfielder Marcus Knecht
TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club (@iblmapleleafs) announced today the signing of Outfielder Marcus Knecht ( Toronto, On).
Knecht returns after sitting out the 2023 season and will be a welcome addition to the middle of the Leafs lineup. Knecht was drafted in the 23rd round by Milwaukee in 2008 but opted to go to school. After years with Oklahoma State and Connors State, Knecht was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2010 draft by the Bluejays and spent the next 6 seasons in the minors reaching AA. Knecht had 54 career homeruns and 325 RBI's in 642 minor league games. He has represented Team Canada numerous times playing in the 2011 Baseball World Cup and winning gold at the 2011 Pan American games.
In 2022, Marcus played only 9 games hitting .343 (12-35) before exploding in the playoffs hitting .446 (25-56) with 4 2B's, 6 HR's and 20 RBI's in 13 Games. In his IBL career he has hit .309 (147-476) with 32 2B's and 32 HR's with 111 RBI's and 22 SB's.
"Sometimes sitting out a year is a good re-set and I think we are in for a big year from Marcus. He is respected and brings a wealth of experience and skills to the field. His contributions will also be felt in the clubhouse as well. To have a right handed bat in the middle of our tough lefty lineup is also key." GM Jeff Lounsbury
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.
This announcement is brought to you by Left Field Brewery proud sponsor of your Toronto Maple Leaf Baseball Team.