On the Christie Hillside: Bush Gala Lights Up Liberty Village

Monday, October 20, 2025

Bush Gala Lights Up Liberty Village

Jordan Castaldo accepts the Golden Bush statuette as the winner of the 2025 Bush.V.P. award.

The stars were out at Left Field Brewery for the 2025 Bush Gala.

A red-circle event on Toronto's social calendar, the gala brings together Toronto Maple Leafs fans, players, family and friends for a night of fun and celebration.

A couple dozen jovial folks were on hand Saturday night, October 18th. Now in its fifth year, the event was hosted by the Leafs' official brewery partner for the first time.

The evening was both warm and chill. Left Field's baseball-themed brewpub/restaurant/retail store/hangout in Liberty Village was the perfect setting for a gathering like this.

After a couple of hours of mixing and mingling, it was time for the highlight of the night. As MC's for the evening, the Bushmen took to an improvised stage to deliver the 2025 Golden Bush awards.

Pitcher of the Year went to the ageless Marek Deska, who made his IBL debut back in 2006 and shows no sign of letting up.

Hitter of the Year went to outfielder Marcus Knecht, who not only led the Leafs in batting this season, but also published a book on the craft.

Fielder of the Year was Dennis Dei Baning for some spectacular catches in the outfield this season.

The big prize of the night, the Bush.V.P. award went to who else but Jordan Castaldo. The Leafs' first baseman produced a dominant season in 2025, leading the club with 38 RBIs and an OPS of 1.148. He also led the entire IBL with 12 home runs, a league-MVP-worthy performance.

All four players were on hand to receive their coveted Golden Bush statuettes.

The Bush Gala is well-established as an end-of-season gathering, and the Bushmen are looking to expand. Saturday night, they hinted that something could be in the works for next spring prior to the start of the 2026 season. Stay tuned.

Until then, that is a wrap for Maple Leafs baseball in 2025.