At a press conference Monday, the Willmar Stingers announced its new team mascot presented by Lake Region Bank. The press conference held at the local bank unveiled “Barry” as the latest addition to the organization. As fans witnessed today, Barry is a tall yellow bear who plans to spend his summer evenings at the Bee Hive looking for honey and entertaining fans for many years to come.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters added a pair of position players to their roster today by announcing the signings of outfielder Sean Godfrey (Ball State) and catcher Aaron Gretz (Ohio State).
The Waterloo Bucks, a member of the Northwoods League, have announced the hiring of Chris Hodges as a coach for the 2012 season. Currently, Hodges is an assistant coach at the Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Fighting Artichokes are 24-13 on the season and are in the midst of their Arizona Community College Athletic Conference season.
Madison, WI - The Madison Mallards have announced the signing of sophomore left-handed pitcher Chris Kubitz from St. Cloud State University and redshirt freshman right-handed pitcher Josh Pierce from Kent State University. "One of the things I love about coaching in the Northwoods League is the chance to work with players that have superior talents," said Mallards Manager Greg Labbe. "Chris and Josh could have as much talent as any I have coached during my five years in the league and I can't wait to see what they are able to accomplish at the 'Duck Pond' in 2012.”
FrogVille, Wi-The Green Bay Bullfrogs roster expands to 20 today with the additions of DJ Slaton and Bradley Wallace. Both Slaton (San Jose State University) and Wallace (Arkansas State University) come from programs that last year sent pitchers that were integral to the Bullfrogs' 42-27 record and first post-season appearance since 2007. Last season, Arkansas State 's Cory Kyle and San Jose State 's Drew Bradshaw finished 4th and 5th on the team in innings pitched and combined to finish with a 7-1 record and 3.37 ERA.
A former Northwoods League player that is perhaps the biggest surprise on an opening day roster this year is Erik Komatsu of the St. Louis Cardinals. Komatsu, who last year played in Double-A in the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals organizations, suddenly finds himself in the big leagues after impressing the Cardinals who selected him in the Rule-5 Draft in the offseason.
The Rochester Honkers have added hometown kid Mitchell Brown to their roster for this summer. Brown, a 6’2”, 205-pound right-handed pitcher will play in his senior season at Rochester Century High School. Brown started the season opener versus Faribault High School on April 5th, striking out 9 as Century won 6-1.
Thirty former Northwoods League players begin the season in the big leagues as opening day is celebrated throughout Major League Baseball. In fact, every opening weekend series will have at least one former Northwoods Leaguer in uniform as 22 of the 30 teams will be represented.
The Thunder Bay Border Cats have added six more players to their roster for the upcoming 2012 Northwoods League season. Joining the Cats are first baseman Ryan Casillas, pitchers Greg Ryan, Clint Sharp and Woody Nesbit, along with outfielders Luke Willis and Payden Cawley Lamb.
FrogVille, WI - With opening day fast approaching, the Green Bay Bullfrogs 2012 roster expands to 19 with the signings of Bud Jeter and Will Landsheft. Both sophomore right-handers started his team's opening game and have pitched at the top of his team's starting rotation each weekend.
