Jackfish clinch first pennant in franchise history as regular season champions

Photo by Shane Smith

IBL playoffs begin August 24th

By ROD MAWHOOD

History was made Sunday evening in Barrie.

The Welland Jackfish were crowned regular season champions, clinching their first Intercounty Baseball League pennant in franchise history, with an 8-4 victory over the Barrie Baycats. 

With three games left in the regular season the Jackfish sit at (29-10) on the campaign and will finish first overall in the eight-team IBL.

"First pennant in franchise history is because of the hard work of our General Manager Jackson McKay, Field Manager Brian Essery, our coaching staff, support staff and team players," said Team President Ryan Harrison.

This group has made this season the best one yet, but we aren't done. It's time to win the whole freakin' thing.

"This was a true team effort. I'm very proud of the franchise, and for our fan base"

On Sunday, leadoff hitter Hogan Brown had four hits, while Caleb Feuerstake homered and drove in three for the Jackfish.

"It's great to win the pennant," an ecstatic Essery said. "That was the first goal of the season, next is the ring.

We have a great room, excellent character and a boat load of talent."

And that talent was put together by the aforementioned general manager Jason McKay who proudly explained years of hard work finally paid off.

"This is a fantastic achievement for such a young organization. At one point or another I've had a very personal conversation with every single member of this team. Whether it was to recruit them to come, to re-sign them, or to convince them what we had going on in Welland was something special," said McKay.

"The true credit goes out to those that believe every year we've progressed, but all that being said we have our eyes on a bigger prize so there's still work to be done." 

Essery feels consistency will be the key for his club down the stretch, and into the playoffs. 

"Continue to play hungry, smart, baseball with strong pitching and defense and timely hitting."

Welland hosts the Brantford Red Sox Thursday night, and the London Majors Saturday evening to close out their regular season. 

The Intercounty Baseball League post-season begins next week. 

For ticket information, including 2023 playoff tickets, and 2024 Season Memberships visit wellandjackfish.com