The Hamilton Cardinals are just four victories away from securing a championship for a city that has long awaited this moment for nearly 25 years.
This marks the Cardinals’ first appearance in the Canadian Baseball League championship series since 2002. They defeated the Barrie Baycats 5-4 in extra innings last weekend, setting the stage for a showdown against the reigning champion Welland Jackfish starting Friday.
Third baseman Reyny Reyes delivered a solo home run in the 11th inning, sealing the best-of-seven semifinal series with a 4-2 victory.
For Eric Spearin, the owner of the Cardinals, reaching the finals represents the culmination of years of dedication aimed at revitalizing baseball success in Hamilton.
“We are absolutely thrilled,” Spearin expressed. “We’ve put in a lot of effort over the past few years to turn the franchise around.”
Spearin took charge of the team towards the end of 2022, after spending the majority of his professional career in the United States.
“I really wanted to contribute more to Hamilton, and what better way to do that than to revitalize the local baseball team?”
Eric Spearin, owner and president of the Cardinals, spent most of his career in the U.S. before taking over the team in 2022. (Jeffery Tram/CBC)
This year, the Cardinals also achieved a milestone by finishing their regular season in first place for the first time in franchise history. They achieved a remarkable 31-17 record, earning the pennant in the nine-team league.
Now, the team is gearing up for a championship face-off with a squad that Spearin considers a natural rival, as their stadiums are located only 50 kilometers apart.
“We are somewhat of a comeback story and, I suppose, a bit of an underdog,” he commented, noting that the Jackfish are the defending champions.
From 50 fans to nearly 1,000
The Cardinals’ journey has coincided with a significant increase in local support in Hamilton.
Outfielder Tyler Duncan, who has been with the Cardinals for five seasons, recalls playing in front of sparse crowds when he first joined the team.
“I’ll never forget my first year. We would have around 50 fans on a Friday night,” Duncan reminisced. “You could hear a pin drop; it was incredibly quiet.”
He credits Spearin for enhancing the game-day atmosphere.
According to Duncan, the team now draws nearly 1,000 fans on Friday evenings.
“The fans are amazing. They are so vocal and enthusiastic, cheering for us no matter the score.”
Relief pitcher Caleb Seroski, who grew up in Hamilton, noted a distinct change in the atmosphere this season.
He described the crowd during the Cardinals’ first playoff match against Barrie as “electric.”
“We filled both sides of the bleachers and even the grandstand,” he said.
A team built around chemistry
As with any championship run, the Cardinals faced challenges along the way.
Spearin mentioned that the team encountered injuries and rough patches throughout the season but managed to stick together.
This team chemistry has facilitated the integration of several international players, including numerous athletes from the Dominican Republic.
Duncan stated that baseball became a universal language among players, even when language barriers existed.
“Many of us live together in the same house, hanging out daily. We watch baseball as a group.”
“You learn to communicate in small ways and pick up bits of Spanish, while they learn some English.”
That bond was tested during the playoffs, including a tough losing streak, but Duncan mentioned that the team ultimately regained its form.
The reward came on Saturday in Barrie.
With the game tied in the 11th inning, Reyes came to bat and launched a pitch over the left-field fence.
Duncan remarked that the Cardinals’ dugout erupted in celebration.
“It was quite emotional — it’s the first time in 24 years that we’ve reached this milestone. I’m thrilled that he was the one to make it happen.”
Hamilton last won in old Intercounty League
The Cardinals’ sole championship victory occurred in 1978, when the league was known as the Intercounty Baseball League.
For Seroski, who was raised in Hamilton, this opportunity holds special significance as he gets to perform in front of family and friends.
“My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins — the whole family will be here,” he shared.
“Winning a championship for Hamilton would mean everything, not just for this team but for the city as well.”
Hamilton’s Caleb Seroski says his family will be in attendance of the CBL championship series. (Jeffery Tram/CBC)
The Cardinals view their playoff journey as part of a larger initiative to establish Hamilton as a baseball city.
Spearin highlights the local youth baseball leagues and the increasing visibility of fans sporting Cardinals apparel throughout the city.
“We aim to be ambassadors for the sport in this city.”
The first game of the best-of-seven championship series is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET on Friday at Bernie Arbour Stadium. Game 3 will take place in Hamilton on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
For Spearin, the opportunity to finally bring a championship to Hamilton is now tantalizingly close.
“We need just four more wins. We’ve been yearning for this.”