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Welland Jackfish 2025 roster continuing to take shape

Photo Credit: Jackfish/Facebook

The Welland Jackfish roster continues to take shape, and there’s definitely an international flavour heading into the 2025 campaign.

The Jackfish have announced seven returnees, from five different countries, from last season

Leading the way is the Dominican dominator, team closer, Deivy Mendez.

The 29-year old returns for a fourth year with the Fish becoming one of Welland’s most popular players. Mendez appeared in 16 games in 2024 recording an impressive 0.49 ERA with 21 strikeouts and only 3 walks.

Next up is American, and Bakersfield, California native Greyson Barrett who batted .306 with nine doubles, one triple and five home runs in 33 games last season.

To this side of the border as Vancouver native Brandon Hupe was the next player that signed to return here in 2025, following a successful rookie season where he recorded a .243 average with 10 doubles, one triple and four home runs.

The first of two Panama natives, catcher Robert Mullen was a 1st team All-IBL all-star hitting .335, with eight doubles, seven home runs and 42 runs batted in.

And one of Mullen’s battery mates will be starting pitcher, Georgetown, Ontario native Ben Abram. Named a second team IBL All-Star in 2024, Abram posted a league best 10 wins with a 2.41 earned run average, 84 strikeouts and 19 walks.

Joining Abram as a starter is Panama’s Teodoro Ortega who recorded a perfect 0.00 ERA with a (2-0) record, 16 strikeouts and three walks.

The Jackfish begin their 2025 season at home on Saturday May 17 when they host the Barrie Baycats for a 6:05 pm first pitch.

The promotional schedule includes the return of the ‘Stompers’ on July 5.

The Stompers, who called St. Catharines home from 1995–1999, were the Toronto Blue Jays short-season single A affiliate and had an iconic brand and nod to the region’s wine-making industry.

“We love all history of Niagara baseball and what better way to honour it than by bringing back what I personally believe is one iconic brand in this region,” said Jackfish President and Director of Fun Ryan Harrison.

“Grapes, wine, purple merchandise, we are going to have so much fun with this night.”

Other promotional dates include Opening Night, Jacques Birthday Bash, Party Grimace Style Night, Bark in the Park, Stop the Inflation Night, Crocs and Socks Day, Daddy Day, Party Like its 1980 Night (Bright and Tight), Canada Day Extravaganza, Merica Night, Pajama Night, Pack The Park Night, Dodgeball Night, Salute Our Military Night, Rose City Night, Youth Baseball Night, Tropical Night, Country Night, Jacques Bobblehead Night, Fan Appreciation Night and of course the regular Thirsty Thursdays and Post-game Fireworks on at least five occasions.

Welland, the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League Champions, was an IBL best (42-32) in 2024 before bowing out to the Guelph Royals in the second round of the playoffs.

Tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now.

Visit wellandjackfish.com for more information.

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