Cardinals Reflect on Community Impact

The Hamilton Cardinals are proud to reflect on a 2025 season defined by more than just baseball. Over the past three years, the organization has surpassed seven figures in total revenue, the highest in team history, creating new local jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening Hamilton’s overall economic impact.

Beyond the diamond, the Cardinals have continued to invest in the community through charitable initiatives, local partnerships, and family-focused events that bring fans together from across the city. The 2025 season marked another step forward in deepening the team’s commitment to giving back through meaningful collaborations with local organizations.

Community Presence and Youth Engagement

The Cardinals’ mascot, Bernie R. Bird appeared at over 100 community events the past two years, visiting local schools, festivals, and charity functions. The organization also hosted a sold-out, four-week Kids Camp, where Cardinals players led young players through hands-on instruction focused on teamwork, skill development, and community spirit. The Cardinals plan to expand the camp to nine weeks in 2026 and are working with corporate partners to provide funding support for youth who may not otherwise be able to participate.

Over the past two seasons, the Cardinals have welcomed more than 11,000 students to their School Day Games, hosted in partnership with local public and Catholic school boards. Teachers incorporated baseball into lessons about teamwork and leadership, culminating in a day at the ballpark to celebrate the end of the school year. Cardinals players and staff also visited classrooms to discuss careers in sports, lead baseball demonstrations, and inspire young athletes.

Players and staff volunteered their time across various events in Hamilton including the Tim Hortons Camp Day, Lawfield Elementary School, and donated baseball equipment to help expand access to the sport. The team also hosted over 75 youth teams during the 2025 season, giving young players the chance to watch batting practice, meet Cardinals players, and enjoy a day at the ballpark — experiences that inspire pride in Hamilton’s growing baseball community.

Community Partners and Notable Campaigns

At every home game, the Cardinals provided complimentary tickets to community partners, ensuring that families and youth groups could experience live baseball. Longstanding partners include the Hamilton Challenger Baseball Association, Ronald McDonald House, Mission Services, United Way Halton & Hamilton, and Interval House of Hamilton.

The team also proudly partnered with Steel City Inclusive Softball Association in running the popular Baseball for All Night at Bernie Arbour Stadium

Through the Strike Out Hunger campaign — a partnership with Little Caesars and Mission Services of Hamilton — Cardinals pitchers tallied a record number of strikeouts in 2025, generating a $1,200 donation to Mission Services. Players also volunteered to package and distribute meals for local families in need. Additionally the Cardinals provided a significant food donation at the end of the season.

The Cardinals took part in United Way Halton & Hamilton’s Sleepless for Our Community event, raising funds and awareness to combat poverty and homelessness across the region. Since partnering with the Cancer Assistance Program (CAP), the Cardinals have raised $20,000 through 50/50 draws, with all proceeds supporting local residents and families facing cancer diagnoses.

Outside of Hamilton, the Cardinals donated over $500 in baseball equipment to children in the Dominican Republic. 

Overall, the organization also contributed to more than 50 local charities through merchandise and ticket donations, extending its reach and impact throughout the Hamilton community.

Honouring Community Leadership

Pitcher Corben Peters was named the 2025 Larry Wood Legacy Award recipient, an honour recognizing a Cardinals player who demonstrates outstanding community involvement. Peters, a native of Ottawa, coached minor baseball across the Hamilton region and volunteered his time teaching the game at the Hamilton YMCA, fully embracing the city as his own. Special thanks to Dylan Atack who continues to support the Cardinals in the Community and 2023 League MVP Tyler Duncan who has led the Cardinals Kids Camps for the past three years.

Looking Ahead

As the Cardinals look forward to the 2026 season, the organization remains committed to building on these efforts and strengthening its connection with the community that has supported it for generations. Together, the team and its partners will continue to make a positive impact, one pitch, one partnership, and one act of kindness at a time.