Meet the 2024 Jackfish All-Stars
Infielder Tyler Dupuis, left, and pitcher Brandon Underhill are two of nine representatives for the Welland Jackfish who will participate at the 2024 IBL All-Star Game July 20 at Welland Stadium. Photo: BILL POTRECZ
The Welland Jackfish will be well represented when they host the 2024 Intercounty Baseball League All-Star Game at Welland Stadium July 20.
Four members of the Jackfish have been named to the starting lineup for the South Team while another five have been announced as reserves.
Catcher Robert Mullin, first baseman Steven Moretto, second baseman Dawson Tweet and outfielder Matteo Porcellato were voted in as starters while infielder Tyler Dupuis, outfielder Gianfanco Morello and pitchers Brandon Underhill, Deivy Mendez and Ben Abram were selected as reserves.
Rosters were chosen by a combination of media and fan votes.
“It is pretty awesome. We have almost half our team in the All-Star game so it’s quite exciting. That’s pretty impressive,” Jackfish manager Brian Essery said.
Dupuis, a 28-year-old St. Catharines native, is thrilled for the opportunity.
“It’s a great feeling. It’s the first time I’ve been an all-star in three years in the league,” Dupuis said. “It’s definitely an accomplishment.”
Dupuis expects the atmosphere at Welland Stadium to be electric.
“I look forward to playing. I would imagine with the league’s best players coming to play here for an All-Star game, it’s going to be crazy,” he said.
Dupuis excelled at second base last season and has made a seamless transition to shortstop this year.
“It was my primary position before I came here,” Dupuis said. “I was ready to go for shortstop.”
Essery had zero doubt Dupuis would make the switch without a hitch.
“None, whatsoever. We know how athletic and good Ty is with the glove. He was the best second baseman in this league last year and he’s just flipped to the other side of second base and now he’s the best shortstop in the league,” Essery said.
Underhill, a 25-year-old Niagara Falls native and Brock graduate, is looking forward to the event.
“It’s going to be packed. The fans in Welland love a regular season game and it’s going to be a show on July 20. It’s going to be electric,” he said.
Underhill is an important part of the Jackfish bullpen, consistent and able to pitch multiple innings. He has also filled in admirably as a spot starter, including a sparkling effort Thursday in a 3-0 win over Guelph.
“I’m not a big flame-thrower kind of guy but the last month or so I’ve given myself a shot and put up some zeros and some nice numbers so it’s good to see,” he said of his selection.
Essery loves Underhill’s makeup.
“You know what you’re going to get with Brandon. He pounds the zone and throws strikes and he’s got a really good secondary pitch in his curveball. It’s one of the best in the entire league and he keeps in down and keeps the hitters off balance.”
There is a chance to add an additional Jackfish (Ethan Hunt) by voting on line for the final roster spots.
https://www.theibl.ca/finalvote
Voting will close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, July 16.
ALL-STAR SCHEDULE
2 p.m. – Home Run Derby.
3:30 p.m. – Meet and Greet/ Live Concert
6:05 p.m. – 2024 All-Star Showdown Game
Post Game – Firework Supershow
Fish wraps: Pitchers Chris Boatto and Rich Corrente have been traded to the Hamilton Cardinals for cash considerations . . . The Jackfish still have room for one import on their roster. General manager Jason McKay replied with a, “we’ll see” when asked if he is working on bringing in another player prior to the trade deadline at the end of the month . . . Junior Jackfish manager Jay Falardeau is with the team for a couple of games subbing for coach Pat Casey, who will be away on vacation.
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