THUNDER BAY — After guiding the Thunder Bay Border Cats within a whisker of the first-half playoffs, manager J.M. Kelly will have a second shot to get the team back to the Northwoods League postseason.
The team on Thursday announced the 27-year-old Kelly will be back in the dugout for a second season, after a 27-41 debut campaign that marked the team’s return to action after three seasons on the sidelines.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my summer in Thunder Bay," Kelly said.
"The organization treated me and the coaches and players very well and the fans were so enthusiastic and supportive. We have some unfinished business heading into 2024 and the roster is shaping up nicely, especially the fact we now have some returning players to draw from," added Kelly.
Under the first-year skipper, the Cats went 17-15 in the opening half, narrowly missing grabbing the Great Plains East Division’s first playoff spot.
It’s that success that convinced Border Cats president David Valente to bring Kelly back.
"We're excited to have J.M. return," Valente said in a release issued by the team.
"He is an extremely hard worker on and off the field and it's certainly a bonus having continuity in our managerial position as we head into the 2024 season.”
Kelly is the fifth manager since 2003 to return to the Cats for a second season.
