History

Welland Jackfish: A Season-by-Season History (2019–2026)

From their inaugural season in 2019 to becoming three time Dominico Cup Champions, the Welland Jackfish have established themselves as one of Ontario's most successful independent baseball franchises. Combining competitive baseball with their signature entertainment experience, known as Niagara's Greatest Show, the Jackfish have transformed Welland Stadium, affectionately known as "The Pond," into one of the region's premier summer destinations.

2026 – Back-to-Back Champions and a Historic Season

31–17 Record | Tied for 1st | Dominico Cup Champions 

The 2026 season became one of the most memorable chapters in Welland Jackfish history as the club captured its second consecutive Dominico Cup and third championship in four seasons. 

In a highly competitive regular season, Welland finished with a 31–17 record, tied with the London Majors and Hamilton Cardinals for the league's best record. The season featured unforgettable moments, including a franchise record 11 home runs in a single game, the team's first triple play and outstanding individual performances from players throughout the lineup. 

The Jackfish entered the postseason facing the London Majors in a highly anticipated best-of-seven semifinal series. After falling behind early, Welland battled back, including a dominant 13–1 victory in Game 4, before ultimately defeating London in six games to advance to the championship. Waiting in the Dominico Cup Final were the Hamilton Cardinals, setting up a championship showdown between two of the league's top clubs. The Jackfish delivered a commanding performance, sweeping Hamilton in four consecutive games to capture the 2026 Dominico Cup and officially become back-to-back champions. 

Beyond the diamond, 2026 was equally historic. More than 75,000 fans attended Jackfish games at Welland Stadium, generating an estimated $2.5 million in economic impact for the Niagara Region. The organization also helped raise or donate an incredible $112,232 to local charities, youth organizations and community initiatives, demonstrating the impact of the Jackfish beyond baseball. With three championships in four seasons, back-to-back titles and record breaking community support, the 2026 campaign cemented the Welland Jackfish as one of the most successful organizations in modern league history.

2025 – Champions Once Again

31–11 Record | 1st Place | Dominico Cup Champions 

The 2025 season saw the Welland Jackfish return to the top of the baseball world, capturing their second Dominico Cup championship in three seasons. Continuing their remarkable run of regular-season success, the Jackfish finished with a 31–11 record, claiming first place and their third consecutive league pennant. Welland opened the playoffs with a commanding three-game sweep of the Kitchener Panthers before facing the Guelph Royals in the semifinals. After a hard-fought five-game battle, the Jackfish emerged victorious and advanced to the Dominico Cup Final for the second time in three years. The championship series featured a familiar opponent in the Barrie Baycats, setting the stage for another memorable chapter in the rivalry. In front of a sold-out crowd of 3,248 fans at The Pond, the Jackfish defeated Barrie four games to one to capture their second Dominico Cup. The victory further established Welland as a championship destination and reinforced the organization's reputation for delivering success both on the field and in the stands.

2024 – A Record-Breaking Regular Season

32–10 Record | 1st Place | Semifinalists 

Coming off their first championship, the Welland Jackfish entered 2024 determined to defend their title and continue their winning tradition. The Jackfish delivered their most successful regular season to date, finishing with a franchise-record 32 victories against just 10 losses. Their impressive .762 winning percentage secured another first-place finish and a second consecutive regular-season pennant. Welland opened the postseason by defeating the Kitchener Panthers three games to one in the quarterfinals. However, the team's pursuit of back-to-back championships came to an end in a competitive five-game semifinal series against the Guelph Royals. Despite falling short of another Dominico Cup appearance, the 2024 campaign further solidified the Jackfish as one of the league's premier organizations and established a new standard for regular-season excellence. 

2023 – The First Championship

31–11 Record | 1st Place | Dominico Cup Champions 

The 2023 season will forever hold a special place in Welland Jackfish history as the organization captured its first league championship. Building on the success of the previous year, the Jackfish finished with an outstanding 31–11 record, securing first place and the franchise's first regular-season pennant. The team's dominance continued into the playoffs, beginning with a three game sweep of the Brantford Red Sox in the quarterfinals. Welland then battled past the Toronto Maple Leafs in a thrilling five-game semifinal series to advance to the Dominico Cup Final. Facing the Barrie Baycats, the Jackfish delivered the defining moment of their young history, winning the championship series four games to two. On September 16, 2023, the Welland Jackfish officially became Dominico Cup Champions for the first time. The championship represented a milestone not only for the organization but also for the City of Welland, bringing a league title to The Pond and cementing the Jackfish's place in the community's sporting history. 

2022 – The Jackfish Become Contenders

31–11 Record | 3rd Place | Semifinalists 

The 2022 season marked a significant turning point in the history of the Welland Jackfish as the club emerged as a legitimate championship contender. Welland delivered a remarkable 31–11 regular-season record, finishing third in the standings, just half a game out of first place. The 31 victories represented a major leap forward for the franchise and demonstrated the team's growing strength on the field. The Jackfish carried their success into the postseason, sweeping the Kitchener Panthers in three games to advance to the semifinals. In a hard-fought five-game series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Welland came up just short of reaching the championship final. Although the season ended in disappointment, the Jackfish had firmly established themselves among the league's elite teams, setting the stage for what would become a historic period for the franchise. 

2021 – Baseball Returns to The Pond

15–15 Record | 4th Place | Quarterfinalists 

After more than a year away from the diamond, the Welland Jackfish returned to action in 2021, bringing baseball back to The Pond following the cancellation of the previous season. With the league operating a shortened 30-game schedule, the Jackfish finished with a 15–15 record, earning fourth place and another postseason appearance. Their playoff run was cut short by the Barrie Baycats, who eliminated Welland in a two-game quarterfinal series. While the season ended earlier than hoped, 2021 represented an important step forward for the organization as the Jackfish continued building their presence in Niagara and welcoming fans back to Welland Stadium. 

2020 – A Season on Hold

Season Cancelled | COVID-19 Pandemic 

Following an exciting inaugural campaign, the Jackfish were preparing for their second season in Welland when the COVID 19 pandemic brought organized sports across the country to an unprecedented halt. The 2020 season was officially cancelled, leaving The Pond without Jackfish baseball for the summer. Despite the interruption, the organization remained focused on its long term future in Welland and the eventual return of baseball, entertainment and community gatherings to Welland Stadium. 

2019 – A New Era Begins in Welland

19–17 Record | 4th Place | Semifinalists 

The 2019 season marked the beginning of a new era of baseball in the Rose City as the Welland Jackfish took the field for the first time on May 18th, 2019 Playing their inaugural season at Welland Stadium, the Jackfish quickly established a connection with the Niagara community, introducing fans to an exciting new brand of baseball entertainment. On the field, the Jackfish finished with a 19–17 regular-season record, placing fourth in the league and establishing a new franchise benchmark for regular-season success at the time. Welland made an immediate impact in the postseason, defeating the London Majors four games to one to capture the franchise's first playoff series victory. Although their inaugural campaign ended with a four-game semifinal loss to the Barrie Baycats, the foundation had been laid for a new baseball tradition in Niagara.

YEAR BY YEAR HISTORY

JACKFISH AWARDS

2022

Brian Essery - Field Manager of the Year
Sam Cawker - Rookie of the Year
Justin Gideon - First Team All-Star (OF)
Gianfranco Morello - First Team All-Star (OF)
James Smibert  - First Team All-Star (SS)
Rich Corrente - First Team All-Star (LHP)
Matt Hilderbrandt - Second Team All-Star (DH)

2021

Dane Tofteland - First Team All-Star (3B)
Brendon Dadson - First Team All-Star (SS)
Griffin Keller - Second Team All-Star (1B)
Matt Hilderbrandt - Second Team All-Star (DH)

2019

Brendon Dadson - IBL Rookie of the Year
Brendon Dadson - Second Team All-Star (1B)
Wilson Soriano - Second Team All-Star (SS)
Euclides Leyer - Second Team All-Star (RHP)
Ryan Harrison - IBL Executive of the Year