Baycats invite fans to ‘Pack the Park' for free game and good cause

CTV News

25-05-2025

The Barrie Baycats launch the 4th annual 'For Love of the Game' equipment drive. (CTV News/Mike Lang)
Admission will be free for the Barrie Baycats Thursday home against the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, as the club will celebrate African Theme night and collect equipment for African youth.
The 'Pack the Park' game at Athletic Kulture Stadium will be sponsored by Nexim International Development Organization (NIDO), an organization that helps promote youth sports in Africa.
The matchup will also feature the Baycats annual 'For the Love of the Game' equipment drive, which, this year, will send equipment to help start youth baseball programs in Africa.
'We're very excited to have the opportunity to help grow the game of baseball in another country,' said Josh Matlow, Baycats president, general manager and manager, in a message to CTV News. 'We have historically sent equipment to the Dominican Republic, the home of our imports, but this year we will be teaming up with NIDO at our 'Pack the Park Night' to collect used equipment to send to Africa.'
Matlow adds that he hopes the free game will help bring awareness to their equipment drive.
The Baycats will be searching for their first win after an 0-3 start to their Dominico Cup title defence.
Thursday's first pitch is scheduled for just after 7:30 p.m.