Meet the Jackfish: Greg Marco (updated with playoff schedule)

Greg Marco is trading in his Welland Jackfish jersey for a uniform of a different kind.

The 30-year-old backstop’s baseball career is coming to an end after he accepted an offer from the Ontario Provincial Police.

“This has been my dream job since I was in high school,” Marco said. “As things were rolling along and I was blessed to play as long as I have, there was just a time where I started to think I’m ready. Winning last year helped a lot with the decision to get the ball rolling.”

Marco, who was born in Hamilton and grew up in Watertown, made the decision to apply last fall and received a conditional offer in June. His first day of orientation is Aug. 25, which means Saturday’s Jackfish season finale will be his last in uniform and he won’t be available for the team’s attempt at a second consecutive Intercounty Baseball League championship. 

“It’s one of those things I already know I’m going to miss it, but in terms of putting it into perspective, I won’t know until there’s a Jackfish game on and I’m just watching it,” he said. “Not being in the atmosphere I think that’s when it’s really going to start to click.”

Marco went out with bang Thursday, collecting a hit in his final at bat in a 15-8 win over Brantford and was also named Player of the Game, which meant a dousing of water on the field from his teammates.

“It’s really just enjoying the moment and living in the present,” he said. “For me, it’s just come to the field and take it all in and enjoy the time with my teammates and do what I can do to help the team in whatever way they need me.” 

Marco, who has also played for the Hamilton Cardinals and Burlington Bandits, is the consummate teammate, willing to fill whatever role is required.

“He’s great defensively, so we have no issues if he has to come into the game,” Welland manager Brian Essery said. “He’s a great team guy, great character guy and obviously it shows with the profession he just got hired into. Those are the type of people police need and he’s one of those guys.”

Marco played two seasons at a community college in Jamestown, N.Y., before spending another two years at D2 Northwestern Oklahoma State University where he also acted as a catching coach in his final season and began to understand what type of roles he would have to accept going forward.

“It took me some time to develop into that role kind of guy,” he said. “Like every single guy here, growing up they were always the best guy on their team. Towards the end of university and the first few years here, I just really discovered how to be a better teammate. Understanding and just being honest with myself. If I wanted to keep playing baseball, what could I still bring to the team if I’m not an everyday guy. Just wanting to do whatever you can to help the team win.”

Marco, the lone player remaining from the team’s first season in Welland in 2019, loved being a Jackfish.

“It’s hard to even imagine how far it’s come and how hard ownership and staff and coaching staff and even players have worked,” he said. “We come here in 2019 and the ownership takes a run at it and the support from the community here in Welland is unmatched. You can go out wearing a Jackfish shirt or hat and you’ll have people chatting with you about it. It’s such a cool experience and I’m blessed I got to be part of it.”

The Jackfish, who have first place and home field locked up for the entirety of the playoffs, take on Toronto Saturday at 6:05 p.m. on Fan Appreciation Night. 

Playoffs begin Thursday Aug. 22 in Welland with Kitchener providing the opposition in a best-of-five series. 

Essery indicated Ben Abram, Teodoro Ortega and Enrique Saldana are lined up to start on the mound in the first three games.

Game 2 is Friday, August 23 at Kitchener at 7:30 p.m. Game 3 is Saturday, August 24 at Welland at 6:05 p.m. Game 4, if necessary, is Tuesday, August 26 at Kitchener at 7:30 p.m. Game 5, if necessary, is Thursday, Aug. 29 at Welland at 7:20 p.m.

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