Former Jackfish to represent Colombia at World Baseball Classic

WELLAND, ON — The Welland Jackfish are proud to announce that former Jackfish catcher Carlos Martínez has been selected to represent Colombia at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, one of the most prestigious international tournaments in baseball.

Martínez, who suited up behind the plate for the Jackfish during the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League season, made a strong impact during his time in Welland. In 2023, he appeared in 16 games, recording 23 hits in 65 at-bats, including 5 doubles while driving in 15 runs and finishing the season with a .354 batting average.

The 2023 Champion has since gone on to have one of the most impressive careers as a Jackfish alumni, following his time in Welland, Martínez has continued his professional career across multiple leagues in North America and the Caribbean. During the 2024 season, he played in the Mexican League with Pericos de Puebla before joining Dorados de Chihuahua, continuing to showcase his power and defensive ability at catcher. In 2025, Martínez returned to Mexico to play for the Saraperos de Saltillo, competing against top talent in one of Latin America’s premier professional leagues.

Martínez has also remained a consistent presence in winter baseball, playing for Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League, one of the most competitive offseason leagues in the world. His strong performances internationally and continued professional experience helped earn him a spot on Team Colombia for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

A native of Cartagena, Colombia, Martínez originally began his professional career after signing with the Atlanta Braves organization in 2012, eventually advancing through the minor league system and reaching Triple-A with the Gwinnett Stripers in 2021.

The Jackfish return to The Pond on Saturday, May 16th, as they take on the Guelph Royals. Full Season, Flex and Group Packages are all available now! To learn more or to purchase, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or call 905-735-9834.

About the Welland Jackfish

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Canadian Baseball League. The over 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. The Jackfish are Niagara's Greatest Show and lead the nine-team CBL in attendance with over 70,000 FINatics through the Welland Stadium gates. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish.