Thunder Bay Border Cats name Kelly new manager

J.M. Kelly has been named manager of the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Photo: Thunder Bay Border Cats

November 23, 2002

Official Thunder Bay Border Cats News Release

Thunder Bay, Ont., - The Thunder Bay Border Cats are pleased to announce that J.M. Kelly has been hired as the team’s new manager for the 2023 Northwoods League season.

The 26-year-old native of Buna, Texas, is currently an assistant coach at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and becomes the 16th manager in Border Cats’ history.

Kelly also has collegiate coaching experience at Charleston Southern University, Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa Junior College and Carl Albert State Junior College. Kelly spent the 2022 summer collegiate season managing in Nebraska, where he guided the North Platte Plainsmen of the Independence League to a 31-21 record and a first-half division title. He also served as an associate scout for the Houston Astros from 2019-2021.

“The Border Cats are very excited to welcome J.M. Kelly to our organization,” stated team vice president Bryan Graham. “J.M. was set to be the Border Cats lead assistant coach had we played this past season and came highly recommended by our previous manager Mike Steed. J.M. is extremely well connected at the collegiate level and since we came to an agreement with him to manage the club near the end of August, we already have over 20 player commitments and we’re confident he will continue to build a solid roster for the 2023 season.”

The new skipper is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I am thrilled to be able to manage in such a great summer league like the Northwoods League and I’m really looking forward to coming to Thunder Bay and putting a winning product on the field for the Border Cats loyal fans,” said Kelly. “I’m very encouraged how the roster is shaping up and certainly eager to take on the challenge of a 72-game regular season,” added Kelly.