CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Jason Chickowski greatly appreciated the many volunteer coaches and administrators who provided the opportunity to enjoy and thrive in his love of the game of baseball.
Jason was an outstanding pitcher and all-around player during his days in the Chatham Minor Baseball Association, where he was a member of two Ontario Baseball Association championship teams and also earned a silver medal at the Canadian Senior national championships with the Chatham Sr. Diamonds in 1997.
His outstanding skills and determination led to a four-year collegiate baseball scholarship to Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., an educational and athletic opportunity he never would have been afforded had it not been for the training and mentoring he received as a player in the CMBA.
After graduation, Jason returned to Chatham and following in the footsteps of his parents Lynn and Stan Chickowski – two long-time volunteers in the CMBA – joined the executive in 2003 to begin 'paying back' to the association that gave him so much.
Jason held the position of Treasurer and Registrar/Secretary as the CMBA had an enrolment of around 360 players when he got on the board.
He took over the role of CMBA President in 2011, a position he still holds in 2026.
Under Jason's leadership, the CMBA has seen significant growth in membership, with close to 800 registrants in 2026 as well as an increase in board members, major improvements at all facilities and new, innovative programs.
Jason spearheaded several fundraising drives and worked with the municipality on government grants to help finance a number of projects at Jaycee and Kinsmen Parks and Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park.
Over the last 20 years, the CMBA has transformed Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park into one of the most pristine baseball complexes in Ontario with a new grandstand, education centre/office, state-of-the-art training facility and dressing room addition, maintenance facility, new lighting, sound system, irrigation system, a portable batting cage and tributes to Chatham's three major league products – Fergie Jenkins, Bill Atkinson and Doug Melvin.
The revamped facility led to the municipality being granted an Inter-County Baseball League franchise in 2024 with the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, whose games are broadcast across Ontario, showcasing Fergie Jenkins Field at Rotary Park to a province-wide audience.
Jason also helped expand the CMBA's program with the Little Sluggers (3-5 year olds), Glory Days Men's League (35-over) and development of Chatham Diamonds Baseball brand system.
Jason paid back to his baseball roots as a coach, guiding six teams to OBA championships over the last 15 years.
He has also coached minor hockey, soccer and Chatham Ballhawks volleyball and served on the Chatham Minor Hockey Association board of directors.
His dedication to youth earned Jason the recognition of Chatham Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2008 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International for community service.
Jason has also served the municipality in policing, joining the Chatham-Kent Police Service in 2001 and rising through the ranks to become the Deputy Chief of Police in 2024.