The Welland Jackfish were crowned Canadian Baseball League (CBL) Dominico Cup champions Wednesday night.
It was the second straight championship for the Jackfish who won the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) crown last season.
The league announced its name change in the offseason.
The Jackfish swept the Hamilton Cardinals in four straight games, and won eight straight postseason contests after eliminating the London Majors in six games despite falling behind 2-0 in that best-of-seven series.
Wednesday’s 4-2 win was in front of yet another sellout crowd at Welland Stadium.
It was Welland’s third championship in four seasons.
Japanese leadoff hitter Daiki Abe was named playoff most valuable player after hitting .370 with two home runs, a postseason best 10 RBI, and a playoff high seven stolen bases.
“Such a good feeling to win it at home in front of a sold out Welland Stadium,” proclaimed veteran manager Brian Essery after the contest. “I’m so happy for the players and all of the fans that have supported us all season long.”
Starter Teodoro Ortega picked up the win Wednesday pitching into the seventh inning before Erik Johnson closed things out for the save.
Justin Gideon had three hits and Gio Morello two RBI in the victory, while designated hitter Ethan Mann sealed the victory with an eighth inning solo home run that brought the Rose City faithful to their feet.
“Yes, there was a little bit of everything in Game 4,” Essery said.”Outstanding pitching from Teo (Ortega) and EJ (Johnson), a huge home run from Mann, Gideon with three hits, and clutch Gio (Morello) in an elimination game.
No one was more deserving of playoff MVP than Abe. He was outstanding in every playoff game, and provided so much offensively from the top of the lineup, and played tremendous defense throughout the postseason as well.
The Jackfish finished the regular season in third place despite being tied with both Hamilton and London at (31-17), due to tiebreakers on head to head play.
The drive for a three-peat begins now for Team President and Director of Fun Ryan Harrison, General Manager Jason McKay and Essery.
“Our goal at the start of the season was to be where we’re at today – the last IBL Champion and first CBL Champions – the guys delivered,” added Essery.
Jackfish Season Memberships for 2027 are on sale now. Visit wellandjackfish.com for more information.
Rod Mawhood is a lifelong Niagara native who has had the pleasure of working in all three mediums – Radio, Print and TV – for over 20 years. His first announcing gig was with the then St. Catharines Stompers. Since then he’s worked in radio and TV in Toronto, and currently is the announcer for the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
Rod also covers the Buffalo Bills for FOX Sports and the Buffalo Sabres for NBC Sports.
