Leafs Send Six - And More - To All-Star Game

IBL All-Star Game Recap - July 20, 2025

Toronto sent a large contingent to this year's IBL All-Star Game in Hamilton.

The Toronto Maple Leafs' 2025 All-Star Game contingent: Jordan Castaldo and Dan Marra (starters), Jhon Javier and Dustin Richardson (appeared in the game), and Luis Florentino and Marcus Knecht (did not play).

For the second year in a row, the IBL celebrated its best with an All-Star Game and Home Run Derby on July 20th.

This year, Hamilton was the host city and welcomed stars, fans, media and crew from every corner of the league.

The festivities kicked off with a home run derby.  Toronto participated via Dan Marra, who pitched to former Leaf teammate Johnathan Solazzo.  The conductor pummeled a lot of pallid spheres all afternoon, but the Hamilton Cardinals' Tyler Duncan emerged the winner for the second year in a row.

Toronto's Dan Marra pitched to Johnathan Solazzo in the Home Run Derby. (images: @t.west10 / Instagram)

 

Following the derby, the All-Star Game was played in a "North" vs "South" matchup, with players from Barrie, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener and Toronto facing off against players from Brantford, Chatham-Kent, London and Welland.

Twice as many Leafs were selected to the All-Star team as last year.

Infielders Jordan Castaldo and Dan Marra were starters.  Jhon Javier was subbed into left field during the game, and Dustin Richardson came in to pitch the eighth inning.  Pitcher Luis Florentino and outfielder Marcus Knecht also made the team but did not play.

Joining the players in Hamilton were members of the Leafs' game-day crew, including Michael Roudbari (host), Gustavo Carvalho (game-day support), Alex Nelson (game-day support), Graham Pierce (Leafs DJ), Thomas West (head of broadcast), and Christie the Dog (mascot).

Team "North" won the game 5-4.  The complete game boxscore is available at this link.

Hopefully the league can continue this momentum and another city will host all-star festivities next season.

Some members of the Toronto Maple Leafs' contingent in Hamilton: (L-R) Thomas West, Michael Roudbari, Alex Nelson, Gustavo Carvalho and Graham Pierce. (image courtesty of @michael_roudbari / Instagram)