The Welland Jackfish are the 2023 Intercounty League Baseball champions. Photo: @RyanMPhotograph

It’s hard to image a more perfect season for the Welland Jackfish, both on and off the field.

The Jackfish culminated a memorable 2023 Intercounty Baseball League campaign with a 17-1 win over the Barrie Baycats Saturday to capture the organization’s first championship.

The Jackfish took home and Jack and Lynne Dominico Trophy as IBL champions in six games over the Baycats to finish 10-4 in the playoffs after placing first in the regular season with a 31-11 record. 

“When it all came together it was a surreal experience,” Welland manager Brian Essery said Sunday afternoon at Welland Stadium where the team held a celebration event for players and fans. “When we came here four years ago, we didn’t know what to expect. To win in four years is incredible. You look at teams that haven’t won it in decades. It’s unbelievable.”

Essery gave all the credit to the players for their execution and buy-in all season.

“Extremely proud and happy for the guys. Obviously it’s their trophy, it’s their championship, they won it. All the credit goes to them and the leadership group we had on this team to keep that bond together,” he said. “We performed all season.”

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