Baseball has always been a part of Jamestown and Chautauqua County. For me, it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up just a mile from Diethrick Park, I spent countless summer nights in the stands cheering on the Jamestown Jammers. Back then, I never imagined that one day I would have the opportunity to lead the very organization that helped create so many of those memories.

What started as a summer internship in 2021 has turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Now entering my fourth season as General Manager of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks, I continue to be amazed by what this community has helped us build. Every year we have challenged ourselves to make the Tarp Skunks a bigger part of the community, and every year the people of Jamestown and Chautauqua County have responded in a tremendous way.

The vision for the Tarp Skunks began in 2019 when a group of local investors came together to ensure that baseball would remain in Jamestown. Their goal was simple: create an affordable, family-friendly experience that would bring people together and provide lasting memories at Diethrick Park. Today, that vision is stronger than ever.

The 2025 season was another historic year for our organization. We set all-time records in sponsorship revenue, ticket sales, concessions, merchandise sales, and community engagement. Our ballpark was filled with families, youth teams, and fans of all ages who continue to make Tarp Skunks baseball one of the premier summer destinations in Western New York.

On the field, the organization has also reached new heights. The Tarp Skunks recorded a franchise-best 30 wins and earned the first playoff victory in team history. While winning games is important, what makes me most proud is the connection our players, coaches, and staff continue to build with the community.

That connection is evident everywhere we go. Whether it’s school visits, parades, youth baseball and softball events, community appearances, fireworks nights, or special promotions, our schedule has been packed with events to engage with local families. The support we receive throughout the year reminds us that we are much more than a baseball team.

One of the initiatives I am most proud of is our Whiffy Fund. We believe every child should have the opportunity to experience baseball at Diethrick Park regardless of financial circumstances. Through the Whiffy Fund, any child who wears their baseball or softball uniform to the park receives free admission. In 2025 alone, more than 3,500 kids attended games through this program. Over the last two seasons, that number has grown to more than 6,000 children. Seeing young fans walk through the gates excited for a night at the ballpark is a reminder of why we do what we do.

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: provide affordable family entertainment, create memorable experiences, and make a positive impact throughout the community. None of this would be possible without the support of our fans, sponsors, investors, host families, volunteers, and community partners who believe in what we are building.

As I enter my fourth season as General Manager, I am incredibly grateful for the trust and support this community has shown our organization. The Tarp Skunks have become more than just a baseball team. They have become a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbors to create memories together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to making even more memories with you at Diethrick Park this summer.

Playing catch with your Dad can end up a little differently than just a hobby or a pastime. Throwing a ball around the yard in childhood moments can end up changing the trajectory of a child’s dreams and a father’s hopes. Both suit up for the Tarp Skunks this season, and while they play different positions, they share something beyond the same dugout. Behind each of them is a father who threw batting practice in the backyard, drove to tournaments far from home and supported their goals of playing baseball under stadium lights.

Kolden, a pitcher for the Tarp Skunks, is a recent Jamestown Community College graduate and local from Bemus Point. He grew up watching the Jamestown Jammers play. He has come full circle now, as a Tarp Skunk, and is quick to name his Dad, Kerby, as an inspiration.

Kerby McCall, Kolden’s father, said he first recognized his son loved baseball on a ride home from the 2019 Babe Ruth season’s last game. He remembers Kolden saying that baseball was his favorite sport. “It was at that very moment that I was committed to do all I could to help him succeed,” Kerby said. “The game of baseball and life are very similar in the sense that they are both filled with a lot of ups and downs. It is important not to get too high or low and to battle to the end, no matter what the game of baseball or life throws your way. Kolden has faced adversity, but keeps on swinging.”

Kerby said his favorite memory of Kolden’s baseball activities happened during his senior year when he threw 16 strikeouts and hit a home run at the plate for Maple Grove. The fantastic plays allowed the team a 7-to-1 win over their rival team. While the win was an impressive one, Kerby said he is most proud of Kolden’s commitment and hard work when it comes to baseball, as well as his love for the game. He is also extraordinarily proud of his son’s position on the Tarp Skunks team.

Kolden said he fondly remembers spending time practicing at the baseball field with his dad. He specifically highlights the lessons he learned at practice: to go have fun!

“We’re playing a game that we’ve played since we’ve played ball — not caring about how we play, but rather just having a good time,” he said. “Gotta find the fun in everything you do.”

Kolden knows his baseball days may not last forever, but he is grateful for the love and support of his parents. “There will come a time when I have to hang up the cleats and it comes to an end, but each game my parents are there to support me, because they’ve never wavered in their support for me,” he said.

“I count it as an honor that he was asked to be part of this Tarp Skunks community,” Kerby said. “We hope he makes the most out of every opportunity in life.”

Branston Lindquist, a catcher on the Tarp Skunks team and student of the University of Toledo, said his dad also played a large role in his love for baseball. His favorite memory is when his father taught him to “block the ball” in their front yard when he was nine years old.

“My dad has been a huge contributor to everything I have done in baseball and is constantly there to help me out, whether that is through the game itself or the mental part,” he said. “Having my dad in the stands for every game is always great, and it’s even better to know he is always there for me through the ups and downs of a season.”

Branston said his dad taught him to always “give 100 percent no matter what,” and to “not take any moment for granted.” He uses these lessons on the field to this day, and is grateful for the opportunity to play ball in the Chautauqua County area. “It is something that means a lot to me and my family,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to play baseball in front of an awesome community.”

Ben Lindquist, Branston’s father, said he first realized his son loved baseball when he was nine years old. Ben said Branston wouldn’t accept the fact that his Little League All-Star coach told him he most likely would not be the starting catcher. “So, he asked me and my dad to work with him every day over the next two weeks to help him get better,” Ben said. “He ended up being the starting catcher and hasn’t quit working hard since.”

Ben said he coached his son’s teams when Branston was age 4 through 12, but wanted to provide new opportunities with different coaches to strengthen his skills and broaden his horizons. “He essentially moved away from home as a sophomore to attend a private high school, St. Mary’s in Lancaster, and lived with a billet family with his summer/travel coach,” he said. “Not many 15-year-old kids are mature enough to handle that, but it was what he wanted and what he knew he needed to give himself the opportunity to play baseball at the highest level.”

Ben said he is extremely proud of his son’s drive to reach his goal of playing baseball on a professional team. He said he knows how hard Branston worked to get here, and he is proud every time he sees him take the field. “It’s a goal he set for himself years ago, and like most of his other goals, he has worked hard enough to get the opportunity,” he said. “It’s definitely a proud dad moment whenever I hear his name announced and watch people cheer for him. Then, to see him signing autographs for kids coming off the field definitely fills the heart, win or lose.”