Eau Claire, Wis. – February 17, 2014 – The Express front office today announced the hiring of Eric Nielsen as the new public address announcer for the 2014 season. Nielsen replaces Paul Schommer, who had been the PA voice of the Express since the 2006 season.   

“As a lifelong baseball fan and 13-year Altoona resident I am very excited for this opportunity to work with the Eau Claire Express,” Nielsen stated. “I look forward to contributing to the exciting and fun family atmosphere of Carson Park and to help encourage the team to a great season and hopefully a Northwoods League championship."

Nielsen has previously served as Pastor and Head of Staff at three different First Presbyterian Churches. He began his career as a pastor in Conrad, Iowa. He spent five years there before moving on to East Moline, Ill. for five years. He then moved to the Chippewa Valley and spent 12 years working in Eau Claire. 

“It became clear to us early on that Eric has a great passion for the Express and the game of baseball,” Express General Manager Andy Neborak said. “We are confident that this passion will not only entertain Express fans, but will energize Carson Park on a nightly basis.”

Nielsen has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Northern Iowa and a Masters of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

The Eau Claire Express are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel.  For more information, visit www.eauclaireexpress.com.