The Intercounty Baseball League announced this morning, November 15, that the 2023 Dominico Cup Champion Welland Jackfish has been awarded the 2024 IBL All-Star Showdown.

The 1st IBL All-Star event since 2016 will make its first trip to Welland Stadium in Welland, Ontario, July 20, 2024.

“We are very excited to announce that the Welland Jackfish will be hosting the 2024 IBL All-Star Showdown,” said IBL Commissioner, Ted Kalnins. “Welland has taken in-game entertainment and fan interaction to a new level, and the All-Star Showdown will be no different.”

Fans can plan for the festivities to begin on Saturday, July 20th at 1 PM, with the full format of the IBL All-Star Showdown being announced on December 9th during the Jackfish Christmas Party at Tailgates Bar and Grill in Welland. 

“This will be unlike any All-Star event fans have ever seen,” said Jackfish President and Director of Fun, Ryan Harrison. “We are breaking away from the traditional format and making it an event of non-stop action, entertainment, and showmanship.”

Tickets to the IBL All-Star Showdown will be available to fans based on priority with current 2024 Jackfish Season Members and ticket package holders having first access to All-Star ticket options.

“In the coming month, we look forward to sharing more details on the events surrounding the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby which will make it extra special for the fans and players of the IBL,” said Kalnins.

The Jackfish, entering their fifth season in 2024, earned IBL Executive of the Year honors in 2019. They continued their success in the league’s return in 2021, doubling attendance ever since. In 2023, the Jackfish won their first IBL championship while leading the eight-team league in attendance.

“Just get your popcorn ready and get mentally prepared, we are giving fans something to root for and get behind,” said Harrison.

Stay tuned to www.theibl.ca and www.wellandjackfish.com for all future All-Star related announcements. Those interested in purchasing tickets can contact the Welland Jackfish at 905-735-9834.

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professionals and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2024 season marked the IBL’s 106th year in operation. The IBL is one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Toronto and Welland. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca or @ibl1919 on Instagram and Twitter.

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The Intercounty Baseball League (@IBL1919), Canada’s top baseball league, is pleased to announce its 2023 Executive of the Year, Eric Spearin, Owner of the Hamilton Cardinals.  In his first full season as Managing Partner of the Hamilton Cardinals, the Cardinals set team records for attendance, merchandise sales, and TV viewership.  

Upon receiving the award, Spearin was quick to share the credit:  “I am elated that our Hamilton Cardinals organization has received this award. It’s heartening to see the dedication of our staff, volunteers, front office, players, and most importantly, our fans, being recognized. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the other league owners who have graciously provided us with a blueprint and guidance along the way. I genuinely believe that we are just beginning to realize the potential of the Hamilton Cardinals, and I am excited about the future of the club in our city!”

The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) is the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professionals and elite NCAA college baseball players. The 2023 season marked the IBL’s 105th year in operation. The IBL is one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world and serves as a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff. More than 40 IBL players have advanced to Major League Baseball or returned to the IBL following their MLB careers. The league is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Toronto and Welland. For more information, visit www.theibl.ca or @ibl1919 on Instagram and Twitter.

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NIAGARA, ON – The Welland Jackfish along with the FINatics Booster Club have donated $3,880 to Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario in support of the Jackfish Strikeout for Families campaign.

Prior to the start of the 2023 season, the Jackfish announced that $5 from every strikeout thrown would go to support the charity this regular season. Following that announcement, the FINatics Booster Club, a fan-driven non-for-profit organization announced they would match the total to bring it to $10 per strikeout. With 388 strikeouts by Welland Jackfish pitchers this season, Jackfish President, Ryan Harrison, and FINatics Booster Club President Mike Hart presented Chief Executive Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario, Mario De Divitiis with a cheque on Friday.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® South Central Ontario is part of a network of 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada. They provide a home away from home for families of children who are seriously ill and being treated at nearby hospitals. 

Built in 1993 and located next to McMaster Children’s Hospital, RMHCSCO is independently owned and operated by Kid’s Care Oncology Central West Ontario and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, managed by a small staff team, and supported by a full complement of dedicated volunteers.

Ronald McDonald House Charities® South Central Ontario has helped many Niagara famlies over its 30-year history.

This season alone, the Welland Jackfish have donated or raised over $70,000 for local not-for-profits or charitable organizations throughout Niagara.

The Welland Jackfish, 2023 Dominico Cup Champions, are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 104-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.

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