About the NWL
The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players.
It 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, more than 340 NWL Alumni 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 (TEX), 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) .
The Northwoods League was founded in 1994 with 5-teams in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Since that time, the league has expanded to 26-teams throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and even Canada.
From using a wooden bat to playing games every day, the Northwoods League gives collegiate players the opportunity to experience what life as a minor or major league player is like during their grueling season.
Players play an extensive 72-game schedule over the course of 77 days.
They will have the opportunity to play in front of Major League scouts, be coached by former minor/major league players and coaches, and play on teams with some of the best collegiate players from all across the country.
Entertainment comes first in the Northwoods League.
Fans will get the complete minor league experience from crazy on-field promotions, to theme nights, to first-class concessions.
Baseball fans will love the in-game product, but there is enough entertainment to make a night at the ballpark worthwhile for everyone.
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT THE NORTHWOODS LEAGUE
“It may well be one of the great success stories of American (and Canadian) baseball.” – Digitalballparks.com
“For me it was a time where I really got to break out and shine.”
3-Time Cy Young Winner Max Scherzer (pictured right), on his experience playing for the La Crosse Loggers.
“I credit a lot of my success to one of my pitching coaches I had in the Northwoods League. Without him doing a lot of those things for me I definitely wouldn’t be here [in MLB] today.”
Dan Jennings, P, Tampa Bay Rays
“It was one of the funnest experiences of my life.”
Chris Sale, P, Boston Red Sox, on his time playing in the Northwoods League
