Why the Welland Jackfish Are More Than Just Baseball
Based on an Interview with Ryan Harrison on The Make It Count Show
If You Think It's Just Baseball… Think Again
When Ryan Harrison, self-proclaimed Director of Fun and co-owner of the Welland Jackfish, joined Michelle Latocha on The Make It Count Show, one thing became clear: this isn’t your average day at the ballpark. The Jackfish aren't just a baseball team—they’re a full-blown entertainment experience.
In fact, Ryan says they don’t even call them games.
“We put on 21 giant shows every season. Our motto is Niagara’s Greatest Show, and we mean it.”
🎉 A Full-On Summer Spectacle
The 2024 season opens May 17 at 6:05 PM, kicking off with a Victoria Day weekend celebration complete with live music, food, and fireworks—all free before the show. But don’t call it a game unless you’re ready for t-shirt cannons, giant inflatable sumo wrestlers, and possibly someone getting a real tattoo in the stands.
Yes, you read that right.
One of this year’s new theme nights is Tattoo Thursday—a mobile tattoo truck will be giving out real Jackfish tattoos to lucky winners right at the stadium. It's just one of the many wild, creative, and sometimes outrageous theme nights that make every visit unique.
Other upcoming themes include:
Prom Night (players in tuxedo jerseys and a photo booth)
All-Welland Good Night ($4 OV beers, celebrating the city that made them)
Lawn Cocks Night (a cheeky alter-ego theme based on a Welland bylaw about owning chickens—with a goal to break the record for most chicken costumes worn in one place)
Tropical Night (steel drum bands and possibly a full sandbar on-site)
⚾ A Winning Team Backed by Community Passion
It’s not all just fun and games—well, sort of. The Welland Jackfish are the reigning 2023 league champions, and the baseball itself is top-tier. “You’ll see plays here you’d expect to see in the MLB,” says Ryan.
But it’s how the team and ownership give back to Niagara that truly sets them apart. In 2023, the team contributed over $90,000 to local charities. From Jersey auctions and youth sponsorships to their "Strikeouts for Families" initiative (raising $10 per strikeout for Ronald McDonald House), the Jackfish are committed to being a community-first organization.
“If people in Niagara are going to support us,” Ryan shared, “then we’re going to put money back into Niagara.”
👨👩👧👦 A Show for Everyone—Zero to 100
Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, a parent of young kids, or someone who just loves a good laugh with a cold drink in hand, the Jackfish experience hits every mark. Ryan explained their unique philosophy:
“Our goal is to entertain a 40-year-old mom who doesn’t care about baseball—but her kids do. We want her to have a blast too.”
From dizzy bat races to Roman candles shot off bats, $4 tallboys on Thirsty Thursdays, and the legendary “Sweetheart of the Game” segment, there’s something for everyone. Even seniors aren’t left out—they’ve hosted Senior Citizen Bingo Nights, complete with exclusive concession hours and a “nap time on the berm” idea that was almost approved.
💸 No Hidden Fees—Just Good Vibes
In a world of surprise surcharges and hidden fees, the Jackfish stick to all-in pricing:
$16 ticket price, tax included
No service fees
Budget-friendly concessions
Even plans for all-you-can-eat ticket options in the future
“We take everything you hate about attending events—and make sure we don’t do those things,” Ryan laughs.
They even allow outside food (alcohol excluded) and give out free nachos if you trip and spill yours. That’s next-level hospitality.
🧢 The People Behind the Fun
Ryan and his team aren’t millionaire investors or corporate bigwigs—they're regular guys who poured their hearts (and wallets) into something special. One works at IBM, another at a long-term care facility, and Ryan? He left a job with the Hamilton Bulldogs to do this full-time.
He jokes that they run the team like a rock concert, frat party, and circus all rolled into one. But at its core, it’s all about joy, community, and experience.
“We’re just trying to make Welland proud and create the most fun you’ll have all summer.”
🎙️ Hooked on Fun – Their Podcast
Want more behind-the-scenes? Check out their podcast, Hooked on Fun, where staff feud (playfully), talk Florida trips, break down promo nights, and share what it takes to build Niagara’s greatest show.
🎟️ Ready to Join the Fun?
Season tickets? Sold out.
Flex passes? Selling fast.
Home opener? Almost gone.
The time is now to grab your tickets and experience it for yourself.
Visit wellandjackfish.com to check out the schedule, buy your tickets, or apply to volunteer (yes, they’ll even toss in a free hot dog and shirt!).
Whether you’re 9 or 90, there’s something magical waiting at The Pond.
Michelle’s Final Take:
“Everyone kept saying ‘How have you not been to a Jackfish game?!’ Well, now I get it. It’s not a game—it’s a must-see show.”
Catch the madness, the memories, and the mayhem—starting May 17.
See you there. 🎉⚾🔥
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Website: Welland Jackfish | https://www.wellandjackfish.com/
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Email: [email protected]
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