THE NORTHWOODS LEAGUE

The league draws some of the top up-and-coming coaching talent from across the country who are looking to develop themselves, just like the players, into the future stars of the college and professional coaching ranks.

The Northwoods League has become a hotbed for excellent coaching.

Many of the league’s coaches were once MLB and Minor League Baseball players and coaches including Twins star Al Newman, Donnie Scott, Duffy Dyer and former skipper for the New York Mets, Terry Collins.

Chris Monroe joins the Bismarck Larks as Field Manager, bringing with him a winning pedigree, deep Northwoods League experience, and a player-focused coaching philosophy. A former Northwoods League standout, Monroe played for the Traverse City Pit Spitters in 2021, helping lead them to a league championship while earning All-Star honors and a top-three finish in the Home Run Derby. Known for his toughness and consistency, he appeared in nearly every game that season, setting the tone for the relentless energy he now brings to Bismarck.

Monroe’s professional playing career includes time with the Idaho Falls Chukars, Lexington Legends, and Great Falls Voyagers, where he earned the Expedition League MVP award in 2022. His coaching career has been equally impressive—serving as the assistant coach and hitting coach at Missouri Western State University, where he’s recruited over 30 players since 2025. He also held key coaching roles with the O’Fallon Hoots (Prospect League) and Parkland College, guiding Parkland to a 42–15 record, a conference co-championship, and a top-15 national ranking in 2024.

Monroe’s leadership style emphasizes connection, resilience, and mental focus—values rooted in his own playing experience. As he leads the Larks into a milestone season, he aims to cultivate a high-energy, competitive environment that reflects both the tradition and ambition of the Northwoods League.

Mitch Gallagher was a member of the inaugural 2017 Larks team, and later returned as head coach of the Bismarck Bull Moose in 2020 and as an assistant coach for the Larks in 2021. He has since served as a head coach for the Kokomo Jackrabbits, a former Northwoods League team, and currently works as the interim head coach at Eastern Florida State College. He has a deep Northwoods League background and strong relationships with collegiate programs.

Justin Oliver, a graduate of University of Mary and former coach at Bismarck State College, is now based in San Jose, California but considers Bismarck a second home. Oliver brings more than 20 years of coaching experience and several years as an MLB scout. His decades coaching D1 athletes on the west coast makes him a particularly strong asset with collegiate and professional contacts on that side of the country.