'Cats get Canadian

The roster isn’t complete, but already the Border Cats expect to feature at least seven Canadian players when they hit the field June 2.

This year’s Canadian content is a big jump from last season and a team record. The club typically features one or two Canadian players a season. Brad Jorgenson, Border Cats owner and general manager, said the jump in Canadian talent has to do with the team’s manager Mike Steed, who served as the team’s assistance coach last season.

From Burlington, Ont., Steed’s roots and local connections gave him the ability to find and sign the northern talent, Jorgenson said. Canadian players joining the club this season include catcher Brooklyn Foster, of Langley B.C., and Thunder Bay’s own Eric Brown.

"If we can portray ourselves as the Canadians against the rest of the league, I think that will help us (attract fans)" Jorgenson said. "I told (Steed) that we would like as many Canadians on the team as we can."

The Northwoods League team will also feature five returning players: Garret Houts; Garret Yount; Drew Erwin ; A.J. Schugel and Curtis Wagner.

The Border Cats are hoping for and will work toward a much stronger season this year, both on the field and in terms of fan attendance.

On the field, Jorgenson said Steed is happy so far with the way that the team is taking shape. In the stands, Jorgenson said he believes weather should provide a much more attractive atmosphere for baseball fans this season than it did last season.

"There’s no question that last year was a very difficult year," he said. "The weather dictates our business and there are no two ways about that. Hopefully the weather will keep up the way it has started here and we can have a great summer."

The Border Cats start their season against the Duluth Huskies at home at the Port Arthur Stadium on June 2.

Season tickets are available now but because of construction the Border Cats office is not open. To get season tickets, or for more information about tickets, call 766-CATS.