The Border Cats are back … in Thunder Bay

November 18, 2022

BORDER CATS SET TO RETURN FOR THE 2023 SEASON

Thunder Bay, Ont., - The Thunder Bay Border Cats will be returning for the 2023 Northwoods League season. The Border Cats have been idle the last three years due to the pandemic and various restrictions at the Canada-United States border.

“The Border Cats organization and our fans have been waiting for this day for a long time and we are thrilled to bring Northwoods ball back to Thunder Bay next summer,” said Border Cats president David Valente. “We truly appreciate the loyalty of our fans, corporate partners and host families and are looking forward to seeing everyone back at Port Arthur Stadium in 2023.”

The Border Cats were purchased by an local ownership group, Grand Slam Sports and Entertainment, prior to the start of the 2019 season, however the operation has been shut down since March of 2020. The team already has over 20 player commitments for the 2023 season and will be announcing their new field manager on Wednesday.

The Border Cats will be unveiling their 2023 schedule, season ticket packages, flex packs and Christmas ticket specials in the coming days.

The Northwoods loop is one of the leaders in the development of elite college players. Having completed its 29th season, the Northwoods is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league summer college league.

It is a valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 310 Northwoods players who have advanced to majors, including three-time all-star and 2016 Roberto Clemente award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young award winner and World Series champion Max Scherzer, two-time World Series champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champ Chris Sale, as well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso and 2021 all-star, Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB infielder Marcus Semien.

All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods website at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile app.