The Northwoods League announced its 2010 Postseason All-Star Team on Monday night. In addition to the 31 players that were selected to the honorary team, St. Cloud shortstop Steve Nyisztor was named as the Most Valuable Player while fellow River Bat left-handed pitcher Jason Wheeler was named Pitcher of the Year as voted by the League’s coaches and members of the media. Duluth led all teams with five players selected while Eau Claire swept the two coaching awards.

St. Cloud River Bats shortstop Steve Nyisztor (Rutgers) brought home the NWL’s top honor as League MVP. Nyisztor emerged early in the season as top run-producer and heads into the final day of the season second in the League with 55 RBI. His total bases (133) and at-bats (276) totals also place him second in the league. He’s third in the League in hits (83), triples (6) and extra-base hits (28). In other key offensive categories he’s batting .301 with 14 doubles, 8 home runs, and 18 stolen bases. St. Cloud sweeps the individual player awards as lefty Jason Wheeler (Loyola Marymount) is the winner of the NWL Pitcher of the Year Award. He’s been dominant on the mound, first as a reliever and for most of the season as a starter, having compiled an 8-1 record and a league-leading 1.35 ERA while twice striking out 10 or more batters in a game. With a league-high 74 strikeouts entering the final day of the season, Wheeler is on the verge of claiming the Triple Crown of pitching.

The University of Illinois stands out by placing three of their players on the NWL Postseason All-Star Team. Catcher Adam Davis (.325) and shortstop Josh Parr (.307) of Madison and first baseman Matt Dittman (.325) of Rochester all have represented the Illini well with Davis and Dittman tied for 6^th in the NWL in batting. There are two players apiece from California and Oklahoma State.

Eau Claire‘s sixth-year field manager Dale Varsho is the 2010 Manager of the Year after leading the Express to a sweep of the South Division first and second half championships and the best overall record in the NWL at 48-21. Varsho is now fourth on the all-time NWL wins list with 214. His long-time assistant coach Shawn Peck (Minnesota-Duluth) was selected as Coach of the Year. In other awards, Green Bay‘s Joannes Stadium was named the ballpark with the Best Playing Surface. Rochester Honkers third-year broadcaster Mike Wagenheim was recognized as the Play-by-Play Announcer of the Year.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 2010 NWL Playoffs begin on Tuesday.