Three pitchers signing contracts now brings the total number of returning players to 14.
Ashwaubenon, Wis.—The Rockers will head into the 2024 season with nearly half of the roster from last summer intact as they look to repeat as back-to-back Champions for the first time in Northwoods League history. The team has announced three more players from that squad will combine with the returners already announced to bring the total to 14.
“This is definitely an unprecedented number of returning players in any season, let alone coming off such a successful year,” said General Manager John Fanta. “These guys wanting to come back to Green Bay is a testament to how much they enjoy playing with each other, the relationship they have with our organization, and how hungry they are to chase another ring.”
Kyle Stoddard – RHP – Southwest Missouri State – 6’3”/200 – SR
A 2023 Northwoods League All-Star, Stoddard will be returning for his second summer in Green Bay after being a valuable piece of the starting rotation a season ago. In 53.1 innings last season he allowed 42 hits, while walking 24 and recording 58 strikeouts. In two summers combined with the Rockers Stoddard has pitched in 33 games spanning 115.2 innings, striking out 116 batters and posting a 4.20 ERA. His Southwest Missouri State Bears will begin their season next Friday against Louisiana Monroe.
Nainoa Cardinez – RHP – University of Hawaii – 6’2”/200 – SR
Cardinez will be returning for his third stint with the Rockers, although this time around he’ll be appearing in a different role. After appearing in over 50 regular season games the past two years at catcher and recording a strikeout against the only batter he faced as a pitcher, he returned to Hawaii last fall and converted to pitching full-time. Boasting an arm that can reach the mid-90s, Cardinez will make his debut on the mound this spring for Hawaii before joining the Rockers pitching staff this summer. Both Cardinez and Stoddard will comprise two of the Rockers four roster spots that are allotted for senior pitchers.
Connor Nolen – RHP – Carroll University – 6’3”/215 – RS JR
After joining the Rockers mid-season for the playoff run, Nolen will return to the pitching staff for a second stint this summer. He appeared in five games down the stretch leading up to the Championship run, tossing 7.2 innings while striking out nine batters and not allowing an earned run. Known for his strikeout prowess, Nolen has amassed 63 strikeouts in just 35.2 innings in his collegiate career at Carroll University.
Season ticket packages, group tickets and the ever-popular Flex Packs are available now. Visit www.greenbayrockers.com or call the ticket office at 920-497-7225 to reserve your seats today. The Rockers front office at Capital Credit Union Park is located at 2231 Holmgren Way in Ashwaubenon. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm.
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The Green Bay Rockers 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. Having recently completed its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world 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, 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.greenbayrockers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rockers as your favorite team.
