To team officials, they hope it’s only the start of a special summer on the city’s eastside.

The rest of the community will get its first look at the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League entry tonight when it opens its season at home against Batavia. First pitch is at 6:30 p.m.

Jamestown manager Frank Jagoda III can’t wait.

“The support we have is second to none,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to packing this place on Thursday, and every single home game. We don’t exist without our community, and our investors and our board (of directors) do a phenomenal job of putting us in a great position to succeed. We’re excited to represent the community.”

Jameson Walsh jogs to the pitcher’s mound during a Jamestown Tarp Skunks workout at Diethrick Park on Tuesday. Walsh, a Southwestern High School graduate, now plays collegiately at Albany. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

This summer marks the franchise’s fifth as the Tarp Skunks and, according to General Manager Christian Dolce, he expects it to be the most successful yet.

“We’ve hit all-time highs in season-ticket sales and sponsorship sales, concessions were at an all-time high last year and the merchandise is still going very good,” he said.

“Without the community, especially without the businesses sponsoring us, there’s no way,” Dolce added. “It’s cliche to say, ‘We wouldn’t be here without them,’ but it’s true. We rely on them so much. It has been really, really encouraging.”

On the field, Jamestown won’t have its complete team for a bit as many of the players are still competing in their college or high school postseasons.

“We’ll get close to that 40 number in the next week or so,” Jagoda said. “We feel really good about the group that’s here. A lot of guys come from really good programs that we’re excited about. We feel like we’re in a really good place, and we’ve had a few good days of work early on. We weathered the storm in regards to the rain, so we’re looking forward to the next few days and getting on the field Thursday.”

Jamestown Tarp Skunks third baseman Eric Weeks takes a throw during a workout at Diethrick Park on Tuesday. P-J photos by Scott Kindberg

Among the locals on the roster are Southwestern High School graduate Jameson Walsh (University of Albany), Falconer native Branston Lindquist, Gowanda’s Blake Herman, Frewsburg’s Chase Haglund and Warren, Pennsylvania’s Brady Berdine (Gannon University).

“I’m confident in the group we have here (currently),” Jagoda said, “but it is also going to be a nice shot in the arm when you get a couple guys in at certain points of the year that can provide a little boost.”

Jagoda possesses a wealth of experience and a proven track record in amateur, collegiate and professional baseball, including the last five years with the Tampa Bay Rays. He said he began roster construction for the 2025 Tarp Skunks — a vital component in assembling a team in the well-regarded PGCBL — last September.

“I think it’s a really good league,” Jagoda said. “You’re going to get a lot of different players from a lot of different levels. You’re going to get anywhere from a Power 5 player to a junior college player. It’s a diverse league in terms of talent. … The unique part about it is they’re all good baseball players from all over the country.”

Tonight’s starting pitcher for the Jammers will be Easton Barnett, who just completed his freshman year at Lincoln Memorial (Tennessee) University. In 19 games, including one start, the right-hander was 2-2 with a 2.89 ERA. In 28 innings, he surrendered 23 hits, struck out 19 and walked 14. His batting-average against was .223.

Jamestown Tarp Skunks catcher Eddie Dolansky prepares to throw to second base during a workout at Diethrick Park on Tuesday. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

Jagoda’s pitching probables for games at Elmira on Friday and at Batavia on Sunday are right-hander Cohen Harris (High Point) and left-hander Colin Bolla (Penn State-Behrend), respectively.

“We feel like we’re in a good spot with all the depth we have,” Jagoda said.

NOTES: Pregame activities today include a tailgate festival concert by the Porcelain Busdrivers, which begins at 5 p.m. … A kids’ “bounce house” and a food truck will also be available. … Diethrick Park gates open at 5:30 p.m. … The first 200 fans will receive a commemorative Tarp Skunks fifth anniversary T-shirt.