Thunder Bay’s baseball team has a new field manager.
The Border Cats have announced that Joe Ellison is taking on the role for the 2025 Northwoods League season.
The 33-year-old Toronto, native is the 15th manager in franchise history and the second from Canada joining Mike Steed, who guided the Cats in 2010 and 2011.
He spent the past two seasons as the head coach of the Fort McMurray Giants of the summer collegiate Western Canadian Baseball League.
“I’m excited and proud to represent the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the Northwoods League this upcoming season,” said Ellison. “As a Canadian and someone who grew up in Ontario, getting the privilege to lead the Border Cats is something truly special to me. I look forward to working with our management to build a strong team centred around top-end Canadian talent as well as our great group of returning players.”
He is replacing J.M. Kelly, who has spent the past two seasons leading the team. Kelly is moving on to a new head coaching position at Dodge City Community College in Kansas.
In two seasons under Kelly, the Border Cats had a record of 62-75, including a 35-34 mark during the 2024 season.