Jackfish are bringing back some baseball online

Virtual home opener Saturday features ceremonial first pitch, replay of their first game

Welland Stadium, the 2,500-capacity home to an Intercounty Baseball League franchise since 2019, doesn’t have a roof, retractable or otherwise.

Yet, the home opener for the Welland Jackfish on Saturday is virtually guaranteed.

Barring a loss of internet, fans will be able to be part of an “immersive experience” by subscribing to the team on YouTube, beginning that day at 11 a.m.

A message from the league commissioner and a ceremonial first pitch by Welland Mayor Frank Campion are among the highlights of a broadcast featuring a replay of the 2019 home opener versus the London Majors.

Jackfish majority owner and president Ryan Harrison said the team is excited to create the “one-of-a-kind moment” for fans. “We know that everyone in our community is going through a difficult time right now, but bringing even a small piece of the Jackfish to our fans is an amazing opportunity to boost everyone’s spirits,” he said.

Municipal recreation facilities throughout Ontario, including Welland Stadium, have been ordered closed until June to contain the spread of COVID-19.

A delay of at least six weeks to the start of the season has left five of the league’s eight teams committed to squeezing in a shortened regular campaign, followed by playoffs.

While the Guelph Royals, Hamilton Cardinals, Toronto Maple Leafs, London and Welland want to return to the diamond in 2020, the defending champion Barrie Baycats, Brantford Red Sox and Kitchener Panthers have opted not to play this year.