MLB legends inspire IBL Maple Leafs on opening day

Maple Leafs’ Sean Mattson hits a grand slam in the fourth inning of Sunday's IBL opener against the Guelph Royals at Dominico Field at Christie Pits. (DAN HAMILTON/VANTAGE POINT STUDIOS)Bill Buckner needs no introduction, but he gave one to a group of ballplayers inside their downtown Toronto clubhouse on Sunday afternoon.

"It was the top of the ninth, two outs, the bases were loaded. (The manger) called my name and my heart, to this day, it was pounding," the MLB legend told the Maple Leafs as they prepared to open their 48th season in the Intercounty Baseball League. "He puts me in to pinch hit. All of a sudden, I was going out to hit against Gaylord Perry."

Buckner did not manage a hit in…