CK Blackbirds spread their wings

The Chatham-Kent Blackbirds are getting ready to spread their wings.

The name of the municipality’s new Intercounty Baseball League team was unveiled during a news conference at Red Barn Brewing in Blenheim Friday morning.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support and love from the community,” said President Dom Dinelle. “The involvement of the entire municipality is so important to us. We want this to be a team for the whole community of CK. We now have an identity. And now the real work begins.”

The new IBL franchise received more than 600 submissions with over 400 name suggestions in an online contest held on the Let’s Talk Chatham-Kent website. The five finalists also include North Stars, Legends, Wheat Kings, and Field Kings.

Fifteen local residents who submitted the top five finalist names will each receive two tickets to the Blackbirds’ home opener in 2024.

There were five entries for the winning name, all of whom will receive a pair of tickets to the 2024 home opener. An online submission from “Uncle Jarod” was drawn as the grand prize winner for a Family Pack of season tickets to the inaugural year of Blackbirds baseball.

Harry Muir has been named the expansion team’s first General Manager. The London native spent four years in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system during the early 90s, and also holds the distinction of being the first Canadian to throw a no-hitter in international play.

A fundraiser for the team is being held at Red Barn Brewing on April 6 with a stand-up comedy night. Officials say the Blackbirds are bringing in a special headliner and making plans for a VIP seating area, the first chance at Blackbirds merchandise, and more.

The team will continue to come together over the next year before hitting the field in May 2024.