The Kitchener Panthers baseball team has witnessed a significant change with the arrival of new owners. David and Katie Schooley, along with Sam, Naseem, and Shanif Hirani, have come together to co-own the team. The Schooleys already own the KW Titans basketball team and will operate both under the name Waterloo Region Sports and Entertainment.

Uniting the Community in a Unique Way

David Schooley expressed in a release on the baseball team's website that owning two local sports teams allows the group to unite the Kitchener-Waterloo community in a distinctive manner. The Titans and Panthers share core values such as promoting athletic performance, supporting player development, and fostering connections across the community. This joint ownership is seen as an exciting opportunity to expand the dynamic culture of sports in the region.

New General Manager and His Journey

Shanif Hirani has been named the new general manager of the Panthers, which competes in the Intercounty Baseball League. He has been associated with the team for years, having played outfield on the team previously and for the U22 Panthers. Hirani is a Waterloo Collegiate Institute graduate who received a baseball scholarship to the University of South Carolina Sumter and later completed a master's degree in sports management at Columbia University. In an interview with CBC K-W's The Morning Edition, he shared his excitement about this opportunity, stating that he has had extensive playing experience with the team and it has been a significant part of his life.

Season Outlook and League Changes

Hirani is enthusiastic about the upcoming 2025 season. The Panthers finished the regular season in eighth place in the Intercounty Baseball League standings and were eliminated in the first round of playoffs by the Welland Jackfish, who went on to win the championship over the Guelph Royals. Hirani mentioned that there will be big changes to the team and the league. The Hamilton Cardinals announced earlier this fall that they have signed former Major League Baseball all-star pitcher Fernando Rodney for the 2025 season. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs recently signed Ayami Sato, making her the league's first female player. Hirani believes that the league is moving in a positive direction and they aim to follow suit by bringing in the best talent and making Kitchener a desirable place for both players and fans.

Improvements at Jack Couch Park

Hirani emphasized the new owners' intention to collaborate with the city to enhance Jack Couch Park, the home field of the Panthers. He believes that the park has tremendous potential and in the past, it was an amazing place to play. When he used to play for the Panthers, the stadium was always packed and had a great atmosphere. Now, they want to bring that back and make it a memorable experience for fans. The Schooleys have already transformed going to a KW Titans game into more than just the action on the basketball court, with pre-game activities and post-game interactions where players sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Hirani hopes to bring the same energy to Panthers games.The Panthers will kick off the 2025 season with an away game in Toronto on May 11, and their home opener is on May 18. This new era of ownership and the planned improvements at Jack Couch Park are expected to bring a new level of excitement to the Kitchener Panthers baseball team and the local sports community.