January 11, 2021

Official Welland Jackfish News Release

WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish have announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Ben Runyon for the 2021 season.

Runyon, a 6-foot-7, Edmonton, Alta., native, joins the Jackfish after spending the 2020 season with the Dornbirn Indians of the Austrian Baseball League. In five starts with the Indians, Runyon recorded a 2.10 ERA with 39 strikeouts 15 walks and a 3-1 record.

"We are very happy to add another Canadian arm to the rotation," said Jackfish Field Manager Brian Essery. "Ben will be a great addition to our core that will allow us to be one of the most competitive teams on the mound."

This will be Runyon’s second stop in the IBL as he suited up for the London Majors during the 2016 season compiling a 1.80 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 15 walks over 15 innings pitched.

"I'm excited to now be a part of what Welland is trying to build here," said Runyon. "With the guys, staff and hopefully fans we have, it should be a fun summer."

The Welland Jackfish are a member of Canada’s top baseball league, the Intercounty Baseball League. The 100-year old summer league is one of the oldest baseball leagues in the world, with the league established in 1919, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind.