Hamilton Shines as Host of 2025 IBL All-Star Showdown and Home Run Derby

For the first time in league history, the Intercounty Baseball League’s All-Star Showdown and Home Run Derby were held in Hamilton this past Sunday, and the city delivered in a big way. More than 2,000 fans packed Bernie Arbour Stadium for a full evening of baseball and entertainment that showcased just how far the Hamilton Cardinals franchise has come.

The afternoon started with the Home Run Derby presented by WingsUp!, where Hamilton’s own Tyler Duncan defended his title in front of a national TV audience on CHCH. The reigning champ didn’t disappoint, launching ball after ball out of the yard to earn his second straight Derby crown. For his efforts, Duncan was awarded a gold-plated Rawlings bat and free wings for a year courtesy of WingsUp! 

In between events, fans were treated to a live set from local favourites The Shakers, who brought the crowd to life from the on-field stage. Once the game started, the North and South teams displayed unique All-Star jersey designs that reflect the city of Hamilton. The North jersey featured the smokestacks and steel factories that represent the city’s industrial north end. The darker colors and factory imagery reflect Hamilton’s working-class roots. The South jersey showcases the escarpment, waterfalls, and natural scenery you find in the south end. Warmer tones and landscape visuals bring out the city’s outdoorsy side. Both designs celebrate what makes each end of Hamilton unique—steel and nature, side by side.

On the mic, in-game host Emily Thompson kept the energy up all evening long, helping deliver the kind of fan experience that’s become a staple at Cardinals home games. Emily even brought along her friends from Ticats Dance & Cheer as the girls performed a dance routine in the pregame.

Mascots from around the league were also on hand, entertaining the crowd and adding to the festive atmosphere that made the day feel more like a celebration than just a ballgame.

The All-Star Game itself was a tight one, with the North edging the South 5-4. Hamilton was well represented, with Tyler Duncan, Johnathan Solazzo, Niko Kekatos, Josh Williams, Brandon Nicoll, Steven Hospital, Fernando Rodney, Owen Boon, and Freisis Adames all suiting up. Cardinals manager Luis Bernardo led the South dugout.

Before first pitch, Hamilton City Councillor Tom Jackson presented the game ball to The Shakers’ Dave Rave Deroches, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Jackson later appeared on the Cable 14 broadcast, praising the team’s ownership group: “The Spearin Family has brought such a new excitement and energy to baseball in our city and attendance has flourished and blossomed. The least we can do at city hall is put even more energy and investment, tangible support to this stadium, help them with new permits and revenue that will keep this club alive, flourishing and hopefully winning championships for years to come.”

Kitchener catcher Yunior Ibarra was named MVP after going 2-for-2 with 3 RBIs.

Hosting the league’s marquee midseason event is the latest milestone for a Hamilton franchise that’s surged in popularity over the last three years. The Cardinals have broken attendance records in back-to-back seasons and are on pace to do it again in 2025. 

With a 16-13 record, the team sits fourth in the IBL standings as the second half of the season kicks off.

The Cardinals return home Friday night for KX94.7’s Country Music Night, hosting the Barrie Baycats at 7:35 p.m. at Bernie Arbour Stadium. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.ca or at the Bernie Arbour box office starting at 6:00pm.