Essery returns for 2023 season

WELLAND - Welland Jackfish General Manager and Vice President of Baseball Operations Jason McKay announced today that the team has come to an agreement with Field Manager Brian Essery on a three-year contract for the 2023 IBL season.

After being announced as Welland's first skipper before the start of the 2019 season, Essery has led the ballclub to winning records in all three seasons at the helm. Finishing the 2022 season with a franchise-best 31-11 and the club's second playoff series win, Essery was awarded the 2022 IBL Field Manager of the Year.

"I'm really looking forward to continuing the chase for a championship," said Essery. "We have a good number of returning players and we believe we are very close to achieving the ultimate goal. I have a great coaching styaff around me ad we can't wait for the 2023 season to begin."

Entering his fourth season with the fish, Essery has recorded a franchise 65-43 record with two playoff series wins along with multiple league awards and all-star selections.

"The very first person I signed to being our time in Niagara was Ess, he has been an absolutely integral part of what we are trying to build," said Jackfish General Manager Jason McKay. "That is why we prioritized re-signing him for another three years in order to address our unfinished business of winning a championship for the Niagara region."

2022 Welland Jackfish season tickets are on sale now! Visit our website at wellandjackfish.com/2023 or call 905-735-9834 to learn more.

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 100-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.