Three FGCU teammates return for another Stingers season

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce the continued relationship with Florida Gulf Coast University as Nick Rivera, Brian Pruett, and Brady Anderson are set to rejoin the Stingers for the 2015 season. David Parrett (Costal Carolina University) and Colton Boucher (Northern State University) will also be joining the Eagles trio on the roster next summer.

Nick Rivera, a 5-foot-10 inch junior first baseman, named a Northwoods League mid and post-season All-Star in 2014 for the Stingers, saw playing time at both first base and designated hitter. As a constant fixture in the middle of the order for Field Manager Drew Saberhagen, Rivera provided a big dose of power throughout the entire summer. Rivera led the Stingers in home runs (13) and runs batted in with 54, while finishing second on the squad in doubles with 14. His home run and RBI total was third and fourth in the Northwoods League, respectively.

Brian Pruett, a 6-foot red-shirt junior infielder, proved to be a valuable utility player for the Stingers. Pruett saw time at three infield positions during the summer: shortstop, second base and third base. In 54 games in 2014, Pruett had 10 doubles, 22 RBI, and posted a .254 batting average. Pruett helped give the Stingers one of the more memorable wins this past season with a walk-off RBI single July 30th against the Alexandria Blue Anchors.

Brady Anderson, a 6-foot-1 inch red-shirt junior pitcher, is a player Stinger fans have gotten to know quite well. The 2015 season will mark Anderson’s third summer with the organization. Like Rivera, Anderson was named a mid-season and post-season All-Star by the Northwoods League. In his time with the Stingers, Brady has been a reliable arm both out of the bullpen and as a starter. Brady has made 38 appearances (83 2/3 innings pitched) for the Stingers in his career, posting 20 saves, 67 strikeouts and has earned 6 victories.

“Brady will be our first three-year returner for the Stingers and it’s special to have a guy back and commit his college summers to Willmar,” Co-owner Ryan Voz said. “He’s been very valuable to the team as a two-time league All-Star (2012 and 2014).”

David Parrett, a 5-foot-11 inch junior catcher, returns to the Stingers after transferring from Iowa Western Community College to Coastal Carolina University. Although he was in Willmar for a short period last summer, Parrett showed his talents at the plate with a .321 batting average and three doubles. Last spring Parrett led Iowa Western to a 2014 NJCAA National Championship hitting .369 with 53 RBI.

Colton Boucher, a 6-foot-2 inch junior pitcher from Northern State University, saw time with the Stingers primarily in relief throughout the 2014 season. In 10 appearances (19.1 innings pitched) out of the bullpen, Boucher struck out 17 batters and had a 2.74 ERA. Boucher led the Wolves in strikeouts (55), complete games (6), and shutouts (2).

Field Manager Drew Saberhagen, as well as the Stingers organization will continue to build the roster for the 2015 season. Season tickets for the 2015 season are currently on sale. For more information regarding this press release please contact the Willmar Stingers front office at 320-222-2010 or visit www.willmarstingers.com.

The 2015 season is presented by Marcus Construction. From start to finish Marcus Construction will make your job easier and build a facility you will be proud of.

The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest summer collegiate baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com.