“We had an amazing season in 2024, ” said Tarp Skunks General Manager Christian Dolce. “We had record-breaking attendance at our home games, strong merchandise sales, and fan satisfaction at an all-time high, according to surveys we conducted. So, it will be hard to top that, but we’ve got some great things lined up for this season.”

Dolce said that the Tarp Skunks’ new and improved website is now live at jamestowntarpskunks.com. Additionally, Children’s Collaborative Solutions (CCS) will be broadcasting the home games online, featuring interviews and fan interactions through CCSTV. The team has also expanded its merchandise selection, offering a wider range of baseball-themed items. Currently, the roster is filled to capacity with 40 players, which includes several Division 1 collegiate athletes added this year. Furthermore, the team has welcomed four new assistant coaches to enhance their coaching staff.

“While we don’t have any returning players from last season, we’ve got some great ball players from several D-1 colleges and universities,” said Dolce. “I’m totally focused on providing the best and most positive baseball experience for our fans we can provide.”

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL) has welcomed a new team, the Niagara Iron Backs, which is connected to the history of the New York-Penn League of the old MiLB farm system. This team is a direct descendant of the former Blue Jays’ minor league affiliate and will compete in the same stadium as its predecessors.

Fans are pictured at a 2024 Jamestown Tarp Skunks game.

Dolce expressed his views on the recent announcement regarding the return of baseball to St. Catharine’s in Ontario, Canada.

Before the home opener on May 29, there will be a free concert at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park, located at 485 Falconer St. The concert starts at 5 p.m. and features the Porcelain Bus Drivers. There will also be a food truck from 3 C’s Catering and a bounce house for kids. The first 200 people to enter the gates before the game will get a free t-shirt, explained Dolce.

“You don’t have to attend the pre-game party to get a shirt, you just need to be one of the first 200 game attendees through the gate,” said Dolce. “This is going to be an amazing year, about 50% of our roster are D-1 players.”

Dolce announced the return of two fan favorites this year: the beloved Kids Club and the Whiffy Fund. Get ready for fun and community spirit like never before and he said he is focused on the Tarp Skunks inclusive nature of the organization.

“The kids club cost $15 and includes a free member t-shirt; free grandstand ticket to every Friday home game; specialty Tarp Skunks bracelet; 10% discount on Tarp Skunks merchandise (in park) and a mid-season ice-cream social with select Tarp Skunk players,” he said.”

Moreover, Dolce announced with enthusiasm that the Whiffy Fund remains vibrant and ready, offering the opportunity for any child or group of children eager to experience the thrill of a live ball game – the opportunity to do so.

In its second year, the Whiffy Fund provides free tickets to home baseball games. According to Dolce, in 2024, more than 2,500 youth were able to attend a free ball game because of this fund. Youth leaders needing tickets should contact Dolce at christian@tarpskunks.net or the Tarp Skunks’ home office at 716-705-5600. Gifts to the Whiffy Fund directly support access to their games by area youth and can be made online by visiting crcf.me/whiffy.