March 24, 2020

Official Intercounty Baseball League Press Release

WELLAND – The Welland Jackfish, members of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL), have announced the signing of pitcher Jared Mortensen and infielder Chris Shaw for the 2020 season.

Mortensen, 31, a former member of the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros minor league systems, spent five years in Minor League Baseball. The Abbotsford, B.C. native recorded a 4.33 ERA with 288 strikeouts and 146 walks over five seasons. Reaching as high as triple-A with the Durham Bulls and Frezno Grizzlies, Jared also suited up for Team Canada during the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto.

“Jared has over 450 professional innings on the mound in the past three seasons. This man defines durability and going deep into games” said Jackfish General Manager Jason McKay. “Bringing that kind of experience on to an already experienced pitching staff can only bring good results.”

Shaw, 25, a former draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles in the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft, Chris spent four seasons in the Orioles’ minor league system. During his minor league career, Chris would record 20 doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 38 RBI. The Winnipeg, Man., native spent his college career with the Oklahoma Sooners (NCAA Division I) before turning pro.

“Dynamic defensively superior catcher with a rocket of an arm, Chris will be a tremendous asset as we look to bring in the best ballplayers available to us” said Jackfish GM Jason Mckay. “Chris can be an absolute horse behind the dish as well as play corner infield and outfield if called upon.”