THUNDER BAY – Baseball is back! The Thunder Bay Border Cats are gearing up for the 2025 Northwoods League campaign, and the claws are out as the club officially reveals its first wave of player signings ahead of Opening Day, Monday, May 26, on the road in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. With new skipper Joe Ellison at the helm, a strong mix of returnees and fresh talent makes this a roster to watch.
Back in the Den: Key Returnees Return for Another Run
Ty Hamilton – A familiar name with a familiar swing, the 6’3” lefty outfielder from Ottawa is back after a solid 2024 season that saw him swipe 14 bases and notch a .429 on-base percentage. Son of Canadian Junior National Team coach Greg Hamilton, Ty brings pedigree, power, and plate discipline to the top of the order.
Parker Burgess – The towering 6’4” right-hander from Douro-Dummer, Ont., is healthy and ready to roll. After a limited but electric 2024 stint (14 strikeouts in just 7 innings), Burgess is expected to bring heat out of the pen or the rotation.
Griffin Catto – A borderline Border Cat legend, Catto returns for a third season. With a 5-2 career record and 30 Ks in 41.1 innings, the veteran from Southern Illinois University brings leadership and late-inning reliability.
Greg LaChance – The slick-fielding infielder from Whitby is back in the middle of the diamond. A .262 hitter last season, LaChance swiped 17 bags and is known for his hustle and glove. Oh, and he’s got NHL ties—his brother-in-law is none other than Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs.
Trey Fikes – One of the top defensive backstops in the league, Fikes is back behind the dish. The Missouri native hit .295 and was a steady hand calling games for the Cats’ pitching staff in 2024.
Circle the Date: May 28 Home Opener at Port Arthur Stadium
The Cats return to Port Arthur Stadium on Wednesday, May 28, when they welcome the Rochester Honkers for the 2025 home opener. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m., and the Cats are calling on all of Thunder Bay to pack the park.
🎟 Tickets go on sale May 5 at the stadium box office (Weekdays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
💥 Single-game tickets, flex packs, and season seats available
Host Families Still Needed – Be Part of the Team!
Want a front-row seat to the summer’s action? Become a Border Cats host family and support these future pros. Perks include free tickets, merchandise discounts, and a $250 grocery gift card, courtesy of No Frills.
📞 Call (807) 766-CATS
📧 Email: bordercatshostfamily@gmail.com
Get ready, Thunder Bay. The bats are cracking, the roster’s stacked, and the Border Cats are locked in for a huge 2025.
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