‘If the fit is right': London Majors would consider bringing in former MLB player like Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney warms up down the right field line prior to his Hamilton Cardinals game against the London Majors on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
Fans at Labatt Park in London, Ont. got a rare treat this week as a former Major League Baseball (MLB) star took the mound.
Fernando Rodney, 48, a three-time MLB all-star and 2019 World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals is pitching this season for the Hamilton Cardinals of the Intercounty Baseball League.
'I have a lot of fun here because I just come here to keep playing, continue what I like to do, and have fun,' said Rodney, a 17-year MLB relief pitcher and closer. 'I see people I never have a plan to see. It makes me feel comfortable and very proud. It's nice to sign for people and they give you a hug and shake hands. It's making me feel more special.'
Rodney spent the past four seasons in the Mexican and Dominican Baseball Leagues.
Luis Bernardo, a former Orioles prospect who played for the Cardinals before moving into coaching, pitched the idea of Rodney to owner Eric Spearin.
He got him to come north but had to pay up to bring Rodney to Canada, a source telling CTV News the contract is north of $50,000.
Fernando Rodney
Fernando Rodney warms up down the right field line prior to his Hamilton Cardinals game against the London Majors on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
No matter the cost, his name brings attention to the IBL.
'I think the league is getting better this year,' said Rodney. 'Hopefully next year, get more better and I'd like to come back.'
League owners like Roop Chanderdat of the London Majors believe bringing in players with name recognition is a positive.
'Overall, for this league, it's phenomenal,' said Chanderdat, the co-owner and manager of the Majors.
'You've got ex-big leaguers and not just ex-big leaguers but one that did really well. It's great for every team in the league and we're glad Fernando is here in the league for sure.'
Chanderdat, who has brought in players from all over the world during his tenure, said it's not out of the question to bring in a guy like Rodney if the right circumstances come along.
'If the fit is right' said Chanderdat. 'We had a guy here from the [New York] Yankees (Cesar Cabral) that pitched you the Yankee Stadium. We've had some guys that have gotten there, maybe not quite as high profile as Fernando Rodney, but we've had some guys here from the big leagues. Every ownership group is in a different situation. It depends on the situation, if a guy comes along that's the right fit, for sure Scott (Dart, co-owner) and I would take a look.'
London Majors
London Majors Manager Roop Chanderdat (left) and some of his players watch warmup prior to their game against the Hamilton Cardinals on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
Majors' veteran outfielder Byron Reichstein hit a sacrifice fly off Rodney in Sunday's comeback win.
'It's different because you always just see them on TV and now you get to see him on the same field, so it's pretty cool,' said Reichstein.
He's been in the IBL since 2012 and has seen big changes since his rookie season.
'It's improving baseball from the first year I started until now,' added Reichstein, who is hitting .286 with three home runs this year.
'The caliber of baseball is so much better. The average guy has probably played pro ball or high-level collegiate baseball.'
Rodney isn't off to the start he would like, having surrendered 5 earned runs in six innings, but he does have a win and three saves. As the weather warms up, he's able to get his fastball up to around 93 miles per hour.
'My stuff is getting better and more consistent,' said Rodney. 'That's what I got right now and I have to prepare myself to be ready for any situation.'
As the IBL grows, including the addition of Japan's Ayami Sato – a six-time Women's Baseball World Cup medallist and current pitcher for the Toronto Maple Leafs – a league once struggling for sponsors, is looking at possible expansion in 2026.
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