THUNDER BAY – Thirty-eight years ago, the Tragically Hip released a song called the All Canadian Surf Club.
Nearly four decades later, this year’s version of the Thunder Bay Border Cats might well earn the nickname, the All-Canadian Turf Club.
The Northwoods League team unveiled its full roster this week, a list that includes as many as 18 players from north of the border.
It wasn’t necessarily a concerted effort to focus on Canadian talent, it just happened to work out that way said team vice-president and general manager, Bryan Graham.
“It wasn’t a planned thing, but definitely we’re excited to have 18 Canadian players currently on the roster who will be here over the course of the summer, barring any injuries or setbacks,” Graham said.
“We’re excited about that. Our fans, I think you can tell when we announce the players’ hometowns, there’s always a little extra cheer when they see a Canadian city behind the player’s name. Being the only Canadian team in the Northwoods League of the 24 clubs, it’s exciting that way too.”
The roster is dotted with familiar faces, with at least seven returnees planning to make the trek back to Port Arthur Stadium this season, a group that includes Whitby, Ont. righthander Griffin Cato, Ottawa outfielder Ty Hamilton and Whitby second baseman Greg LaChance. Oshawa’s Jacob Miller, a catcher, outfielder Parker Burgess, who calls Douro-Dummer, Ont. home, and Missouri outfielder Trey Fikes are also among the second-year players planning to suit up for the Border Cats.
Canadian newcomers include infielder Manny Alberto, pitcher Makaio Cisneros, first baseman Jacob Gillis, catcher Ayden Hadley and shortstop Tyrus Hall. And of course, manager Joe Ellison who takes the reigns from J.M. Kelly, now coaching at Dodge City Community College.
Graham said the team averaged 1,124 fans per game last season, middle-of the pack in the Northwoods League, and attributed it in part to competitive showings in both halves, the team in the playoff chase until the final week in each segment of the season.
That’s a key to success in the stands, he said.
“Getting off to a good start in the first half is vital because it could mean you have a playoff spot locked up when August rolls around. We always put an emphasis on all 72 games, but to have a good first half would gain some momentum, not only in the standings, but in the stands as well,” Graham said.
“We know Thunder Bay likes to support teams that are successful and we want to be that. We’re just looking forward to the season and hope the fans come out and really enjoy a night at the ballpark.”
Graham stressed one doesn’t necessarily have to be a real baseball fan to enjoy a Border Cats outing.
“It’s just a good summer night out at the ballpark and being outside with your friends and family. That’s what we really want to promote about the ballpark.”
Graham added they have made some improvements at the stadium, which will celebrate its 74th anniversary on July 14, most notably changes to the party deck along the first-base line.
Team officials are also still looking for host families to house players for the summer, when they’re in town, noting family members get a number of perks, including tickets to all games for everyone in the household.
The Cats kick off the regular season on May 26 on the road against the Eau Claire Express. Their home opener is two nights later against the Rochester Honkers.
