Welland's McKay named IBL Executive of the Year

Jason McKay, the architect of Welland’s dominant 2025 season that ended with a championship, was named the Intercounty Baseball League’s Executive of the Year.  

The Jackfish general manager built a club that has won at least 31 games in four straight regular seasons, three of which ended with a pennant. McKay retained numerous all-stars in 2025, and the Jackfish responded by going 31-11 in the regular season and finishing seven games ahead of Barrie, the team it beat for its second title in three years.  

Welland’s run differential of plus-190 in the regular season easily led the league, and the Jackfish outscored teams 71-40 in 13 playoff games.  

McKay also made a key trade for pitcher Pedro De Los Santos in August, and the 36-year-old lefty from the Dominican allowed one earned run in 19.1 innings of relief in both the regular season and playoffs.  

McKay is the first Welland executive to win the David E. Hastings Trophy since Ryan Harrison in 2019. 

David E. Hastings Trophy for IBL Executive of the Year: 

2025: Jason McKay, Welland 

2024: Larry Wood, Hamilton 

2023: Eric Spearin, Hamilton 

2022: Scott Dart, London 

2021: Scott Dart, London 

2019: Ryan Harrison, Welland