By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Get ready for plenty of baseball action in the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers’ season two.
It’s promising to be even more exciting than the runaway success of last year’s sold-out inaugural season, according to majority owner Dom Dinelle.
Increased seating, new fencing and a team clubhouse are being added this year at Fergie Jenkins Park, Dinelle said at a recent Barnstormers network lunch. The park’s baseball field will also be reconfigured to resemble that of a major league team, he added, and the Barnstormers’ dugout will be moved into the shade at first base.
The new bleachers will be able to accommodate seating for 1,443 fans, adding 544 seats over last year.
“We’re really happy about it.” Dinelle said of the upgrade. “We needed that. More people are going to be able to come and it’s going to be awesome.”
Moving into a new clubhouse from the current digs at Chatham Memorial Arena is another boost for the team, Dinelle explained. Currently under construction, the new facility will provide plenty of room for the teams’ operations.
The Barnstormers played a special exhibition game May 8 for local students and fans. The home opener against the Kitchener Panthers kicks off May 17 at 7:05 p.m. A media day is being held May 16.
The 42-game schedule will see the Barnstormers play 21 games away and 21 at home in 2025.
Other 2025 Barnstormers’ news:
- Scott Currie and Harry Muir have joined the team as part owners. Currie, an executive member, heads up corporate relations, while Muir serves as general manager. Matt Nahdee is also a part owner.
- Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins’ number 31 will be retired at the June 7 game.
- New specialty jerseys will be created and designed this year, including one for Christmas, Star Wars, Canada Day and First Responders. These will be for sale after the games.
- The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers’ will hold the annual golf tournament July 15 at Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club at Blenheim.
- Every home game will have a fun theme and will also feature a “selfie in the crowd” contest.
- Former major league player Gil Rondon has been named team manager and head coach.
- Jeff Hopman will do the announcing for the 2025 season. All of the games will be livestreamed on YouTube and some local restaurants will air the games. More than 70,000 viewers watched on livestream last year.
