Intercounty League approves expansion to Chatham in 2024

Fergie Jenkins Field (shown here) will be the home of Chatham, Ontario’s new Intercounty Baseball League franchise, which will begin play in 2024. Photo: Intercounty Baseball League

November 23, 2022

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

The IBL announced on Wednesday that the League’s Board of Governors has approved the expansion application of Chatham, Ontario for admittance into the league.

The Chatham franchise, which will be owned by Dom Dinelle, will begin play in the 2024 Season at Fergie Jenkins Field, which will hold 1,100 fans for baseball.

“The IBL is excited to welcome the City of Chatham as our newest member,” said IBL Executive and owner of the Welland Jackfish, Ryan Harrison. “We have a great working relationship with Dom and his management group, and we look forward to bringing IBL baseball to the Chatham community in May 2024 and the creation of natural rivalries with London, Brantford, and Kitchener.”

“We are grateful to the IBL Board of Governors for awarding us a new membership and we thank Mayor Darrin Canniff, the Chatham City Council for allowing us to call a stunning venue home,” said Dinelle. “Chatham is a terrific sports town and we look forward to making it a fantastic baseball town.”

More details about the team, including a ‘Name the Team’ contest, inaugural management team, and more, will be released at a press conference in Chatham on Friday, December 9. Time and location to be announced shortly..