Cats Sign Manager Ellison To Contract Extension
Published on October 9, 2025 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Thunder Bay Border Cats News Release
Thunder Bay Border Cats manager Joe Ellison
(Thunder Bay Border Cats, Credit: James Mirabelli Photography)
Thunder Bay, Ont., - The Thunder Bay Border Cats are excited to announce that field manager Joe Ellison has agreed to a new three-year contract extension through the 2028 Northwoods League season. The 34-year-old native of Toronto, Ont., was named the 15th manager in franchise history on September 5, 2024, and is the second Canadian born skipper to lead the club, joining Mike Steed, who guided the Cats in 2010 and 2011.
Under Ellison this past season, the Border Cats compiled a 40-30 record, the most wins since the team's NWL championship season in 2008. The Cats had the ninth best overall record in the 24-team league and finished third overall in the Great Plains East Division with a .571 winning percentage. Thunder Bay also had a 26-11 mark at Port Arthur Stadium.
Ellison is currently the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach at the University of the Science & Arts of Oklahoma. He previously held the titles of general manager, head coach, pitching coach, director of baseball operations, and recruiting coordinator during his 11 years with Ontario Blue Jays junior baseball program from 2012 to 2022. Ellison has also coached at McPherson College in Kansas and played collegiately at Cisco Junior College, Connors State College, and South Dakota State University.
"We are thrilled to extend Joe's contract for three more years," stated team Vice President & General Manager Bryan Graham. "Having continuity in our manager position is very important for the program and helps maximize roster retention. Our players really enjoyed playing for Joe this past season and having him return is also a bonus for recruiting top Canadian talent to Thunder Bay as well."
Ellison is looking forward to the challenge of returning to the Border Cats dugout. "We had a great season this past summer, and while it was disappointing to not secure a playoff berth, we have set the bar very high in 2026. This will only fuel the players returning and those joining us moving forward to push the needle even further to return to the championship days of Border Cats baseball, which our loyal fan base certainly deserves," added Ellison.
For 2026 Border Cats season tickets, email info@bordercatsbaseball.com or call (807) 766-CATS.
Images from this story
 Thunder Bay Border Cats manager Joe Ellison (James Mirabelli Photography) |
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