CBL's Welland Jackfish bring back Gideon

The Welland Jackfish are bringing back Justin Gideon (Pickering, Ont.), one of the greatest players in the team’s history, for the 2026 season. Photo: Welland Jackfish

February 5, 2026

Official Welland Jackfish News Release

WELLAND, ONT. - The Welland Jackfish are excited to announce the return of one of the most accomplished Jackfish in team history, outfielder Justin Gideon.

Gideon, 30, returns to the Rose City after three seasons with the Quebec Capitales of the Frontier League. Over three seasons (2023–2025) he compiled impressive totals across 274 games. During that span, he hit .281 with 193 hits, 56 home runs, 215 runs batted in (RBIs), and an on-base plus slugging line of .896 OPS. He also stole 35 bases and posted solid on-base (.378) and slugging (.517) percentages.

Gideon will return to the Jackfish for the first time since 2022 when he recorded a .413 batting average with six doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 17 RBIs across 15 games with the Fish.

“Consistently every year I’ve watched this league grow both with fans and talent, so it’s only natural to make the jump to professional," said Gideon. "I can’t think of a better team to return to than one that is not only leading the charge in raising the standard of the league, but also one that has advocated and pushed me to further my career. I am more than excited to rejoin the Jackfish and look forward to helping the team compete for another championship.”

Capturing three championships in a row with the Capitales, Justin was also named the 2025 Frontier League Playoff MVP after hitting .380 (8-for-21) with two home runs and eight RBIs over the five-game series.

"One of the most dynamic players to ever play in the IBL, and to say he succeeded at the next level would be a massive understatement," said Jackfish General Manager Jason McKay. "Anytime you have an opportunity to add a talent like Justin Gideon, you just make it happen."