Seven of 35 former NWL players are still challenging for a World Series title
Rochester, Minn. – As the Major League Baseball World Series continues, nine former Northwoods League players are each hoping for their chance at a World Series ring.
The National League’s Los Angeles Dodgers and former NWL players Alex Call (Eau Claire ’13, ‘14) and Will Klein (Lakeshore ‘19) look to even up the series tomorrow night against the Toronto Blue Jays. Alex Vesia (Mankato ‘16) would have been on the World Series roster but is dealing with a family issue.
The Blue Jays feature five former NWL players on their World Series roster. Max Scherzer (La Crosse ’04), Louis Varland (Willmar ’17, ‘18), Tyler Heineman (Wisconsin ‘11), Ernie Clement (Wisconsin Rapids ’15) and Daulton Varsho (Eau Claire ’15, ’16) have helped carry the Blue Jays to 3-2 lead in the Series. Joey Loperfido (Kalamazoo ’18) was on the ALCS roster for the Blue Jays but is not currently on the World Series roster.
Twenty-Eight other Northwoods League alums have also participated in the 2025 MLB playoffs in the earlier rounds. See below for a list of NWL alums, their current MLB team and the NWL team and year they played.
Blue Jays (6)
Max Scherzer – La Crosse 2004
Louis Varland – Willmar 2017, 2018
Tyler Heineman – Wisconsin 2011
Ernie Clement – Wisconsin Rapids 2015
Joey Loperfido – Kalamazoo 2018
Daulton Varsho – Eau Claire 2015, 2016
Mariners (3)
Mitch Garver – St. Cloud 2010, 2011
Miles Mastrobuoni – Rochester 2015
Luke Raley – Lakeshore 2015
Dodgers (3)
Alex Vesia – Mankato 2016
Alex Call – Eau Claire 2013, 2014
Will Klein – Lakeshore 2019
Brewers (5)
Chad Patrick – Traverse City 2019, 2020
Caleb Durbin – Rockford 2019, Fond du Lac 2020, 2021
Joey Ortiz – Willmar 2018
Isaac Collins – Duluth 2017
Nick Mears – Willmar 2017, 2018
Guardians (3)
Kyle Manzardo – Willmar 2020
Daniel Schneemann – St. Cloud 2017
CJ Kayfus – Wisconsin 2021
Tigers (1)
Zach McKinstry – Waterloo 2015
Yankees (1)
Will Warren – St. Cloud 2018
Red Sox (3)
Justin Slaten – Eau Claire 2018
Greg Weissert – Thunder Bay 2015
Nick Sogard – Duluth 2018
Phillies (5)
Tanner Banks – Willmar 2011, 2012
Matt Strahm – Rochester 2011
Otto Kemp – St. Cloud 2021
Bryson Stott – Wisconsin Rapids 2017
Harrison Bader – Lakeshore 2013
Cubs (2)
Michael Busch – St. Cloud 2017
Nico Hoerner – Madison 2016
Padres (1)
Mason McCoy – La Crosse 2015, 2016
Reds (2)
Jose Trevino – Madison 2012
TJ Friedl – St. Cloud 2016
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 410 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com) and ESPN+.