It doesn’t have a name just yet, but the home opener for Ottawa’s newest pro baseball team is May 15.
“We have eight weeks to go,” said Duncan MacDonald, the team’s general manager. “We’re a little behind our own critical path, but we’re still going to be there at the end.”
On Wednesday, the Intercounty Baseball League awarded an expansion franchise to the Ottawa Stadium Group Ltd., after the team was awarded a lease to the former Lynx Stadium earlier this month.
Getting that approval for the stadium in time to join the eight-team league this season required a great effort from many people, including Orleans Coun. Bob Monette, said MacDonald.
The Ottawa franchise will compete against the teams from Barrie, Brantford, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Mississauga and Toronto.
The franchise will reveal its team name and head coach next week. Work has already begun in assembling a roster.
Professional baseball has failed twice in Ottawa. Most recently, the Ottawa Rapidz lasted just one season in the Can-Am league before going bankrupt.
MacDonald said the marketing plan will be on value for money with the focus on creating an entertaining and affordable experience the whole family can enjoy.
“We’re just going to go out and have some fun,” said MacDonald. “Our goal isn’t about how the team is going to perform. Our goal will be, if you come to the stadium, you’re going to be entertained.”
