Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce four new players who have signed to play this coming summer, the Stingers 10th season of Northwoods League baseball. The latest players to sign are Will Vogelsong (Miami University), Teddy Peterson (Minnesota State University – Mankato), Jack Zigan (Minnesota State University – Mankato) and Sam Baier (Augustana University).

Vogelsong, a junior infielder from Cincinnati, OH, was a mainstay in the lineup every day for the RedHawks as their primary second baseman starting 51 of 52 games played in 2018. He was the team leader in stolen bases (18) and second on the team in batting average (.322). Vogelsong earned First-Team All-MAC and MAC All-Defensive Team honors (.981 fielding percentage) during his freshman year with the RedHawks.

Peterson, a junior outfielder from Glencoe, MN finished in the top-10 in batting average (.328), on-base percentage (.416) and slugging percentage (.491) during his sophomore season for the Mavericks. Peterson had 38 hits in his 42 games (36 starts) played last season for Head Coach Matt Magers. Following the season, Peterson was named to the All-NSIC Second Team and NSIC Gold Glove Team for his play throughout the year. Last summer, he played in the Expedition League where he hit .376 and stole 26 bases in 56 games played.

Zigan, a redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher played his high school baseball at Eden Prairie High School. As a senior, he compiled a 7-3 record and a 1.33 earned run average throughout the season. Zigan helped lead his team to a state title and became the second pitcher ever to throw a complete game in the state finals (one earned run and 11 strikeouts). Zigan earned All-Lake Conference honors that season as he struck out 90 batters in 73.2 innings for the Eagles.

Baier, a junior infielder from Springfield, MN, started all 61 games for the Vikings amassing 12 doubles, eight home runs, two triples, 58 runs batted in and had a .308 batting average as a sophomore in 2018. Baier proved to be valuable on the base paths as well, successfully stealing 29 bases in 33 attempts. The highlight of last season for Baier last year was leading the Vikings to the school’s first ever NCAA Division II National Championship as Augustana defeated Columbus State. He also earned First-Team All-NSIC, NSIC Gold Glove honors and was named to the NSIC All-Tournament Team following the season.

With these latest signings, the roster for next season now includes seven pitchers and eight position players. As the tenth season approaches, the Stingers front office and coaching staff will continue to build their 30-man roster.

The 2019 season, the organization’s tenth season of play in the Northwoods League will open play on Tuesday, May 28th on the road against the Mankato MoonDogs. The Stingers home opener is the following day Wednesday, May 29th at Bill Taunton Stadium against the MoonDogs as well.

If you would like more information on tickets for the 2019 season, or more information regarding this press release, please contact the Willmar Stingers front office at 320-222-2010 or visit www.willmarstingers.com.