A lot of new faces will hit the field this weekend for the Moncton Fisher Cats.

They’ll play their first home game at Kiwanis Park on Sunday.

“New faces and a lot of returning guys who are strong good players. We’ve got an import as well, California Born John Haimowitz, who is going to be our main catcher for this year. We’re excited to have him as part of the team,” says Head Coach Darrell Christie.

Haimowitz replaces Veteran player Mike Ivey who retired last year. He previously played for Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated this year.

Christie adds he was looking for a place to play and they came to an agreement.

Fisher Cats Head Coach Christie was promoted earlier this year to his new role to head up the team.  He’s a familiar face to the team though, serving previously as an Assistant Coach since 2018.

There are five teams total in the League this year, the Moncton Fisher Cats, Fredericton Royals, Saint John Alpines, Chatham Ironmen and the Charlottetown Islanders.

When the players aren’t on the field, they’re helping out with the minor leagues in the Tri-Communities.

“We do a lot in the minor ball community. The guys go out and practice with the teams. I help in Riverview with a team and our import is going to make the rounds this year trying to get us some good exposure with kids. In July, we have a youth camp for a week. That’s always good for community involvement. We also have a minor baseball night usually in July where we have all the minor baseball players from the surrounding area come. They get in free when they’re wearing their jerseys. It’s always pretty exciting for them,” Christie says.

The Fisher Cats are hoping for big crowds this year at Kiwanis Park, “We’re full speed ahead now that everything has started to back to normal. We’re hoping to get the fans back. We had good crowds last year but we just hope to build on that and create some excitement with our new guys. The strength of our core is back, and will keep us competitive,” Christie adds.

Sunday’s home opener will see the Moncton Fisher Cats take on the Fredericton Royals at 2 pm at Kiwanis Park. Tickets are available at the box office.