BAYCATS, SIDE LAUNCH BREWING AGREE ON NEW DEAL FOR BAYCATS BREW!

Barrie, ON — The Barrie Baycats are proud to announce that the rights to Baycats Brew have officially been acquired by Side Launch Brewing Company, the largest local craft brewery in Simcoe County. This exciting partnership marks a major step forward in growing the Baycats’ signature beverage both at the ballpark and throughout the region.

Based in Collingwood, Side Launch Brewing Company is widely recognized for its commitment to community, quality ingredients, and a diverse lineup of craft beverages, including lagers, IPAs, wheat beers, sours, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Their products are available in a variety of formats, including pints, tall cans, and 6-, 12-, and 24-packs.

Through this new agreement, Side Launch will produce Baycats Brew in multiple formats, including tall cans and both 30L and 50L kegs, significantly expanding availability for fans and local establishments across Simcoe Region.

As part of the partnership, Side Launch will also assign a dedicated brand representative to lead distribution efforts, with a focus on placing Baycats Brew in key venues and retail locations that will be announced in the coming months.

“We are extremely excited to partner with the 8-time champion Barrie Baycats,” said Connor Dorion of Side Launch Brewing Company. “I have personally wanted to work with the team that I grew up watching since I started in the craft beer industry, and I am over the moon to finally make this partnership work. We will be the proud producer of Baycats Brew for many years to come, and let's bring the title back northbound!”

“The Baycats are very excited to connect with another local brewery, Side Launch Brewing Company, to represent our Baycats Brew that has now been available in over 30 local businesses across Simcoe Region to date,” said Baycats President Josh Matlow. “As we continue the momentum with the Baycats Brew, we felt it was necessary to plan accordingly to focus on growth and scaling the Brew into the future. The group at Side Launch are Baycats fans and huge supporters of our team and organization. I look forward to working with their enthusiastic, energetic and creative team.”

The Baycats would also like to recognize the important role The Collingwood Brewery played in launching Baycats Brew and helping bring the original vision to life.

“I personally want to thank the previous support of the Collingwood Brewery and Kyle Weston for bringing our original vision to life four years ago,” said Matlow. “We are excited to be able to continue growing the Baycats Brew into the future with another local brewery in Simcoe Region.”

With recent ownership changes and internal restructuring at The Collingwood Brewery, the Baycats saw an opportunity to transition the brand to a new local partner while continuing to expand the reach of Baycats Brew throughout the region.

This collaboration strengthens the Baycats’ long-standing commitment to working with local businesses while enhancing the fan experience at the ballpark and beyond. By teaming up with a brewery that shares a deep connection to the community, Baycats Brew is positioned to become a staple across Simcoe County.

Fans can continue to enjoy Baycats Brew at home games throughout the 2026 Canadian Baseball League season, with expanded regional availability coming soon.

About the Barrie Baycats

The Barrie Baycats are a member of the Canadian Baseball League and one of the most successful and community-driven franchises in Canadian baseball. Known for their championship tradition and family-friendly game-day experience, the Baycats play their home games at Athletic Kulture Stadium at the Barrie Community Sports Complex.

About Side Launch Brewing Company

Side Launch Brewing Company is a Collingwood-based craft brewery dedicated to brewing high-quality beer with the finest ingredients while celebrating its rich local heritage. With a wide range of styles and packaging options, Side Launch proudly serves communities across Simcoe County and beyond.

Any businesses interested in carrying Baycats Brew can reach out to joshm@barriebaycats.com.

The Baycats open their 2026 Canadian Baseball League campaign on May 14 at 7:38 PM at Athletic Kulture Stadium against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Get your tickets here