Welland Jackfish on a 5-0 tear to kick off new IBL baseball season

The Welland Jackfish, now just in their third season, have found themselves in pretty lofty territory, tearing out of the 2022 gate with a sterling 5-0 record.

Playing in the Intercounty Baseball League, the Jackfish have beaten the Brantford Red Sox 8-1, the London Majors 8-7, the Hamilton Cardinals 10-2 and the Toronto Maple Leafs twice in a home-and-home series this past weekend (May 28-29) by 10-9 and 8-6 scores.

The 10-9 win over Toronto was a huge comeback as the Jackfish battled their way back from a 7-0 deficit in a game that saw them steal 10 bases.

Said Jackfish Manager Brian Essery afterwards: “Yeah, it wasn’t pretty but we’ll take it.”

The Jackfish came to Welland from Burlington for the 2019 season where they finished two games (19-17) above .500. While the 2020 season was cancelled, they were back at it last summer in a truncated season, finishing with a 15-15 record.

So this huge jump out of the gate is delighting fans, players and coaching staff alike down in Welland stadium.

The team has had many identities during their IBL tenure, starting as the St. Thomas Storm in 2000. They became first the Stratford Storm in 2004 before renaming themselves the Stratford Nationals. In 2009, they became the Mississauga Twins before shifting to Burlington in 2011, becoming first the Twins, then the Bandits and finally the Herd.

In 2019, they finally landed in Welland. Ownership changes reflect their many identities in Stratford and Burlington.

The Jackfish play in Guelph against the Royals on May 31 and then in Kitchener against the Panthers on June 2.

However, they’ll be back in Welland on June 4 as the Barrie Baycats visit Welland Stadium at 6.

But the squad has a special treat for families after the game. “The Fish are back at The Pond this Saturday with Baseball Movie Night! Come to the game and stay for the movie post-game as we enjoy ‘The Sandlot’ on the big screen!” they announced.