Rob Czarniecki, TJ Woodson and Clay Hartje are the first to sign with Dune Coast

The QuillBacks have their first players. Dune Coast Baseball is unveiling the first group of players to sign with the QuillBacks, the Northwoods League’s newest franchise. Outfielder Rob Czarniecki, shortstop TJ Woodson and catcher Clay Hartje are the first names on a roster that manager Tracy Woodson is building for the inaugural 2027 season in New Buffalo.

A manager who has won at every level

Tracy Woodson was named the inaugural manager of the QuillBacks in August, and the first signings reflect the experience he brings to the dugout. Woodson was a member of the 1988 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and also played for the St. Louis Cardinals. Before his pro career he was the 1984 ACC Player of the Year at NC State.

He turned to coaching and managed Florida Marlins minor league affiliates from 1997 to 2004. As head coach at Valparaiso University from 2006 to 2013, he won the 2012 Horizon League title and led the Beacons to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 44 years. In 2013 he took over the program at the University of Richmond. Valparaiso sits in the heart of the QuillBacks’ regional market, which makes this a homecoming of sorts for a manager who spent eight seasons building a program there.

Meet the first three QuillBacks

Rob Czarniecki, OF. A Chesterton, Indiana native, Czarniecki is the hometown name on the list and a future Kentucky Wildcat. “Rob Czarniecki is a local kid from Chesterton, Indiana, and one of the top players in the state,” Woodson said. “As an outfielder, he brings a rare combination of speed, strength and instincts to the field. Rob has the ability to impact the game in so many ways, and you can see why he’s a player to watch at Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference.”

TJ Woodson, SS. A shortstop out of Baylor, Woodson is the defensive anchor of the group. “TJ Woodson is a smooth, fundamentally sound shortstop who plays the game the right way,” Woodson said. “Defensively, he is reliable, instinctive and makes the game look easy. Offensively, TJ uses the entire field, controls the strike zone and consistently puts the ball in play. He’s the type of player who impacts winning in every phase of the game – a true winning player.”

Clay Hartje, C. A veteran catcher out of Johns Hopkins, Hartje gives the QuillBacks a steady hand behind the plate. “Clay Hartje is a veteran catcher who brings a steady presence behind the plate and a proven offensive game from the left side,” Woodson said. “He understands the game, competes every inning and gives you a tough, experienced at-bat.”

More signings coming soon

The QuillBacks will be announcing more players soon as Woodson continues to build the inaugural roster. Fans can follow along on the team’s social channels as each new player is unveiled.

 

 

About Dune Coast Baseball

Dune Coast Baseball is the home of the QuillBacks, a Northwoods League franchise based in New Buffalo, Michigan. The team represents the Dune Coast region that extends from St. Joseph, Michigan to Valparaiso, Indiana. First pitch begins in the summer of 2027. Learn more at www.quillbacks.com or reach the front office at playball@dunecoastbaseball.com.

About the Northwoods League

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its 33rd 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 435 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 (BAL) 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 (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv.