Essery to return as manager of IBL's Jackfish in 2023

The Welland Jackfish have signed field manager Brian Essery to a three-year contract. Photo: Welland Jackfish

September 28, 2022

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

WELLAND - Welland Jackfish general manager and vice president of baseball operations Jason McKay has announced that the team has come to an agreement with field manager Brian Essery on a three-year contract beginning with the 2023 Intercounty Baseball League (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 staff around me ad we can't wait for the 2023 season to begin."

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

"The very first person I signed to begin our time in Niagara was Ess, he has been an absolutely integral part of what we are trying to build," said 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."