(Photo by Dave Gough)
Spencer Marcus checks off a lot of boxes for what the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers are looking for in a ballplayer.
The Barnstormers, which will play their inaugural season in the Intercounty Baseball League starting in May of 2024, announced Marcus as their first player signed to the roster at an event held on Tuesday night at Mamma Maria’s.
Marcus is from Chatham, he’s young and he has experience playing a high level of baseball.
A graduate of Chatham-Kent Secondary School, Marcus played three years of NCAA Division I baseball at Niagara University. In his senior season, Marcus had a .329 batting average with 28 hits, 19 runs, 15 RBIs, and two home runs. He was named to the MAAC All-Academic Team.
Off the field, the 23-year-old works as a supply teacher and a bartender.
Barnstormers General Manager Harry Muir said Marcus is a great kid. He also has natural power and speed.
“When he hits the ball… the sound that comes off his bat is natural power and natural pop. He always hits it in the sweet spot,” Muir said.
Muir said he expects Marcus to do well in the IBL and get better the more he plays.
“He is exactly what we are looking for, a retired (NCAA) Division I player that is local,” Muir said. “The heart of our team is going to be local players, and he’s the perfect example of what we are looking for.”
A right-handed hitting outfielder, Marcus admited he has never seen an IBL game in person before, so the first time he takes the field for the Barnstormers will be the first time taking in an IBL game.
“I am just looking forward to taking in the games and just getting comfortable with the guys on the team and we will see over time how things go,” Marcus said.
When his college career ended, Marcus hung up his cleats and thought he was done with baseball, but when it was announced that an IBL expansion team was starting in his hometown, Marcus admitted it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“I thought maybe it was a good idea to get back at it and I am glad I made that decision, because a local team, why not play,” Marcus said. “It’s good competition, so I am looking forward to it.”
Owner Dom Dinelle said he’s happy with the community support the team has received so far. Even though the season is six months away, Dinelle said the team already has 70 sponsors and has sold 400 season tickets so far for their first season.