Thunder Bay Border Cats 'a nice fit' for the city says local organizer
Organizers of international tournaments in Thunder Bay waiting to hear from new ownership
Two people who head up a group in Thunder Bay that attracts international baseball tournaments to the city say it's important that the Thunder Bay Border Cats remain in the city.
Warren Philp and Larry Hebert are both involved with the Thunder Bay International Baseball Association. The group is responsible for successfully bidding on, and hosting, several national and international tournaments in the city, including the under-18 world championships in 2017.
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Having high quality baseball in the city every summer is important for the sport's growth in the area, Philp said.
"From the standpoint of baseball development and trying to grow the game, it's important for kids who are playing baseball to be able to see the next level by just going down to the local ballpark," he said.
Philp called the presence of the collegiate summer development league team "a nice fit," for the city.
The Northwoods League board of directors unanimously approved the sale of the Border Cats by outgoing owner Brad Jorgenson to a Florida-based corporation, Superior Baseball Club, Inc.
The Border Cats are committed to play in Thunder Bay in 2016, but there's been no word on the team's long-term future. However, corporate filings in Florida list John F. Wendel as the new ownership group's registered agent and secretary. Wendel previously owned the team before Jorgenson took ownership in 2008.
Local stadium needs an anchor tenant
Having the Border Cats, or another anchor tenant, at Port Arthur Stadium is crucial, said Coun. Larry Hebert, who also serves as president of the Thunder Bay International Baseball Association.
"I don't know how you could justify actually keeping a stadium that's going to be basically empty if the Border Cats aren't around," he said of the 65 year-old, city-owned ballpark, that still needs maintenance work.
"As much as we like to have it for bringing in baseball tournaments, I just can't justify keeping it open if there's no major tenant there."
Hebert said he's concerned about the Border Cats' future in the Lakehead if the games don't draw well this year, but added that he's already purchased his 2016 tickets.
Hebert and Philp said they're waiting to hear what the new owners' plans are for the team and the stadium. They're expected to be in Thunder Bay in March.