THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay Border Cats have announced the first group of player signings for the 2026 Northwoods League season, confirming the return of catcher Trey Fikes, shortstop Manny Alberto, and right-handed pitcher Makaio Cisneros.
The trio will be back under second-year manager Joe Ellison, as the club begins shaping its 2026 roster. The team says nearly a dozen players from the 2025 squad are expected to return this summer. The Border Cats open the 2026 season on Monday, May 25, on the road in Iowa against the Waterloo Bucks.
Trey Fikes Returns for Third Season
Fikes, regarded as one of the league’s top defensive catchers, is set for his third summer in Thunder Bay. The University of Nebraska junior (5’10”, 200 lbs.), from Steele, Missouri, hit .290 in 28 games last season with 13 RBI. Over 67 career games with the Border Cats, Fikes has posted a .293 average with two home runs and 27 RBI.
Manny Alberto Back After All-Star Summer
Alberto, a product of Aurora, Ontario, returns after a standout 2025 season that included being named a Northwoods League All-Star. The Western Kentucky University sophomore (6’2”, 190 lbs.) batted .306 in 48 games, recording nine doubles, two home runs, and 39 RBI. He ranked second on the team in hits (56), RBI (39), and stolen bases (20), while providing strong defence up the middle at shortstop.
Makaio Cisneros Returns to the Mound
Cisneros, from Whitby, Ontario, is currently in his sophomore season at Pensacola State College in Florida. The 6’1”, 190-pound right-hander made six appearances for Thunder Bay last summer, finishing 1-0 with a 2.42 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 26 innings.
Home Opener and Ticket Info
Thunder Bay’s home opener is set for Friday, May 29, at 7:05 p.m. at Port Arthur Stadium against the Eau Claire Express, with a post-game fireworks show scheduled.
For season ticket information, email info@bordercatsbaseball.com or call (807) 766-CATS.
