Wikipedia - Thunder Bay Border Cats
The Thunder Bay Border Cats are a baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league. The league's only Canadian team, their home games are played at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The Border Cats have been Northwoods League champions twice, defeating the Madison Mallards two games to one in both 2005 and 2008. They also were in the Northwoods League championship in 2006, but lost to the Rochester Honkers.
As of 2019, the Border Cats have sent six players to the major leagues. Matt Mangini was the first to make the jump, playing 11 games for the Seattle Mariners in 2011. Shortstop Jonathan Diaz followed two years later, playing four games with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. Diaz also spent time with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014, almost making the team out of spring training. Pitcher Blaine Hardy became a regular in the Detroit Tigers bullpen in 2014. Seth Frankoff pitched in one game for the Chicago Cubs, while A.J. Schugel spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Wes Parsons is currently with the Toronto Blue Jays in a relief role.
The Border Cats will not play their 2021 season due to "the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic regarding the Canada-US border closure as well as outdoor gathering numbers". A travel team known as the Minnesota Mud Puppies, based in the Twin Cities region, will play the Border Cats' originally scheduled 36 road games during the 2021 season. The Border Cats were again left dormant for the 2022 season, with a return intended for the 2023 season.
The team's name, "Border Cats," reflects their unique position as a Canadian team playing in an American league. The Thunder Bay Border Cats have a strong roster of talented players, many of whom come from top collegiate programs across the United States and Canada.
The team plays their home games at Port Arthur Stadium, a picturesque ballpark located in Thunder Bay. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive brand of baseball when they come out to support the Thunder Bay Border Cats.
With a dedicated fan base and a commitment to developing young talent, the Thunder Bay Border Cats are a team to watch in the Northwoods League. Whether you're a local fan or a visitor to Thunder Bay, catching a game at Port Arthur Stadium is a must-do experience for any baseball enthusiast.