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IBL's London Majors bring back Brownlee for 14th season

The London Majors have re-signed veteran slugger Cleveland Brownlee for a 14th season with the club. Photo: London Majors

April 24, 2024

Official London Majors News Release

The London Majors have re-signed Cleveland Brownlee, the longest-tenured player on the team and a fan favourite who has etched his name within the IBL record books during an illustrious career.

The 2024 season will mark Brownlee’s 14th in a Majors uniform and continue a career that has seen him record 640 hits, 135 home runs and 514 RBIs over the course of 560 games in the Majors’ pinstripes. He was vital to both of London’s IBL championships in 2021 and 2022.

It was a down season for the designated hitter in 2023, as Brownlee managed just a .201 batting average in 36 regular season games. He swatted seven homers and drove in 20 runs. But he’s just two years removed from arguably the best year of his career.

“I left too many what if's on the field last season. I need to close off a few unanswered questions for myself,” said Brownlee.

In 2022, as the Majors defended their IBL title, Brownlee hit .335 with a personal best 15 homers and 52 RBIs during the regular season. He also scored 42 runs in 42 contests. He then smacked another two homers and drove in 13 in 13 playoff games as London went on to win the championship in thrilling fashion over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What milestones remain for the 39-year-old, who collected his 500th career RBI last season?

He could reach 400 runs and 100 doubles. With a big year, 150 home runs could be reachable.

“Cleveland is one of the all-time greats and I know he is motivated to show he can still be an elite hitter in the league,” said Roop Chanderdat, the Majors’ GM and field manager. “He’s a competitive man and I am glad he is back for another season.”