Chatham-Kent Barnstormers
| Chatham-Kent Barnstormers | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| League | Canadian Baseball League |
| Location | Chatham, Ontario |
| Ballpark | Fergie Jenkins Field |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Colors | Black, red, gold |
| Mascot | Lefty |
| Ownership | Dom Dinelle, Matt Nahdee, Harry Muir, Scott Currie |
| President | Dom Dinelle |
| General manager | Harry Muir |
| Manager | Dom Dinelle |
| Website | https://www.ckbarnstormers.com |
The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers are an independent minor league professional baseball team based in Chatham, Ontario, playing in the Canadian Baseball League (CBL). The team was founded in 2024 and play their home games at the 1,400 seat Fergie Jenkins Field.
The team played its first game in franchise history on May 18, 2024, a 5-3 win over the Kitchener Panthers.
Roster
[edit]| Active roster | Coaching staff |
|---|---|
|
Pitchers
Utility players
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
|
Manager
Coaches
|
History
[edit]On November 23, 2022, the Intercounty Baseball League announced that it had approved an expansion application for Chatham Ontario for admittance into the league starting with the 2024 IBL season.[1] The team's name was initially unveiled as the "Chatham-Kent Blackbirds" on January 27, 2023, but was dropped only three days later after team officials learned the term held historical derogatory use.[2][3] The team later stated that they would change the name to “better reflect the diverse cultural history of the community.” On July 6, 2023, the new team name was officially unveiled as the "Chatham-Kent Barnstormers" (a reference to Barnstorming).[4]
After operating for two years and an semi-pro club, the team transitioned to fully professional in 2026 after the IBL rebranded to the Canadian Baseball League,[5] becoming the city's first pro sports team since the Chatham Wheels of the Colonial Hockey League left in 1994.[citation needed] Harry Muir, the team's general manager, told reporters the changes would not lead to an increase in ticket prices.[5]
Season-by-season results
[edit]| Season | Wins | Losses | Win% | Finish | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 20 | 22 | .476 | 5th | Lost 3-0 in Quarter-finals to Guelph Royals |
| 2025 | 22 | 20 | .524 | 4th | Lost 3-1 in Quarter-finals to Hamilton Cardinals |
| 2026 | 14 | 33 | .298 | 9th | Did not qualify |
| Total | 56 | 75 | .427 | 2 Playoff Appearance, 0 Championships. |
Managers
[edit]- Dan Norman 2024
- Gilberto Rondón 2025
- Harry Muir 2025 (interim)
References
[edit]- ↑ "News: IBL Approves Expansion Membership For Chatham - Intercounty Baseball League". www.theibl.ca. November 23, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Chatham-Kent Blackbirds set to soar". www.iheartradio.ca. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ↑ Wright, Pam (January 30, 2023). "Ball team drops 'Blackbirds' nickname | The Chatham Voice". chathamvoice.com. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ↑ "Local IBL Team Rebranded As The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers". 99.1 FM CKXS | Your Music Variety. July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- 1 2 "CK Barnstormers GM says paying players, league rebrand won't affect ticket prices". CBC.ca. November 26, 2025. Retrieved April 25, 2026.