Jackfish Sign Young, Bolster Pitching Staff

WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) today announced the signing of MLB draft pick and former West Virginia University pitcher Christian Young for the remainder of the 2019 season.

Young, a 6-foot-5 native of Hamburg, NY, joins the Fish after a successful senior year with Mercyhurst University. In 67.2 innings pitched this past season, the righty recorded a 3.19 ERA with 82 strikeouts and only 18 walks.

Born in Oakville, Ontario, Christian played baseball for Frontier High School located in New York. Where he was named first team All-Western New York. Following high school Christian attended Niagara Community College from 2015-17 before transferring to West Virginia University for the 2017-18 school year.

“We have had Christian on our radar for quite some time, he has electric stuff and exceptional control that will play very well in the IBL” said Jackfish General Manager Jason McKay. “As the league pitching continues to elevate to unprecedented levels it becomes important to continuously seek out top level pitching.  

Both the Oakland Athletics and the Cincinnati Reds drafted Christian and after going 11-3 in 2019 for Mercyhurst.

“Numbers like that don’t always happen, this will bolster the starting rotation of the Jackfish” continued McKay.

The Jackfish travel to Barrie Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. start with the Baycats. The Fish return home this Thursday for three home games including Saturday and Sunday at 1:05 p.m. For individual or group ticket information, call 905-736-1346 or visit us online at wellandjackfish.com.

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Ontario's most elite baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 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.