The Northwoods League has announced its 2023 Postseason All-Star Team, and the Express’ very own Dylan O’Connell has earned the postseason nod.
O’Connell has found much success this season for his hometown Eau Claire Express, leading the team in several categories. His .356 Batting Average has been a big boost for the team and leads the Trains (min. 100 ABs). In addition, his 55 RBI, and 45 Runs Scored have him in 1st place for each respective team category. O’Connell hasn’t just been keeping the ball in the infield though, as he has also had his fair share of long bombs out of the ballpark with 8 homers. This total puts him just 1 homer shy of the team leader Ryan Nagelbach.
Unlike most other athletes playing in the Northwoods League, Dylan O’Connell has not had to travel far to find a team to play on. The Express star infielder was born and raised in Eau Claire, and just last year was a senior at Eau Claire Memorial High School. Because of his upbringing, he has found himself right at home at Carson Park. In addition to playing his high school games here, he has grown up an avid Express fan and often would attend games as a child.
In his first season of Northwoods League action, he has made the most of his opportunity, enjoying much success with the Express. The Eau Claire product will take his talents to Western Kentucky in the fall, where he will join several other Express players on the school’s baseball team.
This All-Star recognition is his second of the season, as he was previously named to the Great Plains East All-Star team at the end of July. He will look to keep his great regular season momentum going into the playoffs as Eau Claire will take on the La Crosse Loggers in round one. Be sure to follow along with Dylan and all the other Trains in action, starting this Sunday.
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The Eau Claire Express are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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, over 325 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 World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.eauclaireexpress.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Express as your favorite team.