Welland Jackfish Explained

Welland Jackfish
Cap Logo:WellandCapLoogo.png
League:Intercounty Baseball League
Location:Welland, Ontario
Stadium:Welland Stadium
Founded:2019
Nickname:Jackfish
Former Names:Welland Jackfish (2019–present)
Burlington Herd (2016–2018)
Burlington Bandits (2012–2016)
Burlington Twins (2011–2012)
Mississauga Twins (2009–2011)
Stratford Nationals (2006–2008)
Stratford Storm (2004–2006)
St. Thomas Storm (2000–2005)
Colours:Navy, green, white
Mascot:Jacques
President:Ryan Harrison
Manager:Brian Essery
General Manager:Jason McKay
Website:https://www.wellandjackfish.com
League Champs:1 (2023)

The Welland Jackfish are an independent minor-league baseball team based in Welland, Ontario, Canada. The Jackfish are a member of the Intercounty Baseball League, an independent baseball league established in 1919 which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball.

History

The team was founded as the St. Thomas Storm in 2000, before moving to Stratford and eventually becoming the Stratford Nationals. After two seasons as the Mississauga Twins, the franchise moved to Burlington in 2011 and was rebranded as the Burlington Bandits following the 2012 season, due to a change in ownership.[1] In 2016, the Bandits rebranded under new ownership as the Burlington Herd and continued to play their home games at Nelson park in Burlington, Ontario.[2]

On October 2, 2018, the Burlington Herd were approved to relocate to Welland, and renamed the Welland Jackfish.[3]

In their first year in Welland, the Jackfish had their best regular season with a 19–17 record, and earned their first playoff series victory.

The Jackfish finished 15–15 in a condensed 2021 season, their second year. They were swept in the first round by the Barrie Baycats.

Season-by-season records

Mississauga Twins
Year W-L PCT Place Postseason
20099–27.2507thLost 4–0 in Quarter-finals to Brantford Red Sox
201017–19.4726thLost 4–0 in Quarter-finals to Barrie Baycats
Total26–46.361
Playoffs0–8.0002 Playoff Appearances. 0 Championships.
Burlington Bandits
20119–25.2657thLost 4–2 in Quarter-finals to Toronto Maple Leafs
201211–24.3148thLost 4–1 in Quarter-finals to Brantford Red Sox
201313–29.3107thLost 4–0 in Quarter-finals to London Majors
20149–27.2508thDid not qualify
201515–21.4175thLost 4–3 in Quarter-finals to London Majors
201611–25.3066thLost 4–1 in Quarter-finals to Barrie Baycats
Total68–151.314
Playoffs7–20.2595 Playoff Appearances. 0 Championship.
Burlington Herd
Year W-L PCT Place Postseason
201713–23.3616thLost 4–1 in Quarter-finals to London Majors
201812–24.3338thLost 3–0 in Quarter-finals to Barrie Baycats
Total25–47.347
Playoffs1–7.1422 Playoff Appearances. 0 Championships.
Welland Jackfish
201919-17.5284thWon 4–1 in Quarter-finals against London MajorsLost 4–0 in Semi-finals against Barrie Baycats
2020 Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
202115-15.5004th Lost 2–0 in Quarter-finals to Barrie Baycats
202231-11.7381stWon 3-0 in Quarter-finals against Brantford Red SoxWon 3-2 in Semi-finals against Toronto Maple Leafs
Won 4–2 in Finals against Barrie Baycats
Total65-43.588
Playoffs4–7.3633 Playoff Appearance. 1 Championships.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: New name, owner for Burlington's IBL team . Burlington Post . 2013-02-05.
  2. Web site: The Burlington Herd are Born! . Burlington Herd . 2016-12-13.
  3. Web site: IBL Herd baseball team moving to Welland. Nagel. Kevin. 2018-10-02. InsideHalton.com. en-CA. 2019-01-31.