Jackfish Sign Righty Francisco Jimenez

WELLAND - The Welland Jackfish, Niagara's sports entertainment destination, is excited to announce the signing of starting right handed pitcher, Francisco Jimenez.

The Jackfish will have another big arm from the Dominican Republic to throw against Intercounty Baseball League hitters this season.

Francisco Jimenez, a 29-year-old with extensive minor league experience that includes eight seasons of affiliated ball in the Baltimore Orioles organization, has signed with the Jackfish for the 2024 season.

The six-foot-one, hard-throwing right-hander joins countryman Deivy Mendez, the lights-out closer who is returning to the Jackfish for a third straight summer.

Jimenez originally signed with the Orioles in 2012 as an 18-year-old, starting out in rookie-ball and eventually working his way up to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides in 2018 and 2019.

Jackfish general manager Jason McKay will be excited to have Jimenez on the rubber as the club looks to defend the 2023 IBL championship.

“Francisco is a fireballer and he can still bring it,” McKay said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do in the IBL and his presence alone will benefit the rest of our pitching staff.”

Jimenez put together a 40-28 record with a 3.47 ERA in 568 innings over his eight seasons in the Orioles organization. More recently, he’s spent time in independent ball in the American Association, making 18 starts in the 2022 season split between the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks and Lake Country Dockhounds, striking out 93 batters in 96 innings.

The Jackfish return to The Pond on Saturday, May 18th at 6:05 pm for their 2024 Home Opener. Single Tickets and Flex packs are available at https://www.wellandjackfish.com/tix or by calling 905-735-9834

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s best league, the Intercounty 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. For more information, visit www.wellandjackfish.com or follow the Jackfish on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @wellandjackfish