The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers have signed a Chatham native as the team's first player.
Spencer Marcus was introduced at a news conference held by the team in Chatham Tuesday night.
Marcus said he's very honoured to be the inaugural Barnstomers player and hopes to create many memories with the team.
Marcus is an outfielder but said he is willing to pitch if needed.
He's never played in the Intercounty Baseball League but has lots of baseball playing experience playing college ball south of the border.
Marcus said his biggest asset is speed and is working on his power hitting.
"I definitely think my speed is one thing, maybe power during practices. Over my years of the game I've learned that power isn't everything. I had a lot of hits over the last summer that I played. I didn't try to kill the ball, I had one home run and as long as I hit the ball hard, it'll find the gaps," said Marcus.
General Manager Harry Muir said he’s excited to have the team's first player, adding there's 24 more player spots to be filled on the roster.
Muir said the heart of the team will be local players and he was impressed with the calibre of players that showed up during local tryouts held in September, adding it's a tribute to all of the minor baseball associations across the region.
"When you do these walk-on tryouts you never know what you're going to get. It's like a box of chocolates, but we were pleasantly surprised with the calibre of the kids, the talent," Muir said.
The team's home opener of its inaugural season will be in May 2024 at Fergie Jenkins Field in Chatham, which will have capacity for 1,200 fans.
Marcus is a supply teacher by day and a local bartender on the weekends.
