Eight teams will now compete for a Summer Collegiate World Series Championship

Rochester, Minn. – The Northwoods League has announced a new playoff format that will begin with the 2015 season. This new format will increase the teams participating in the playoffs from four to eight as two additional teams will be added per division to take part in a pair of single-elimination games on the first two days of the playoffs. The two teams that win both of their single-elimination games in each division will move on to the best of three Summer Collegiate World Series.

The new playoff format and dates for the 2015 season are as follows:

The Divisional playoffs will start on Monday August 10, and end on Tuesday, August 11. Wednesday, August 12 will be an off day and the Summer Collegiate World Series will start on Thursday, August 13.

Playoff Format

First and Second half Divisional champions will have home field advantage on the first day of the one-game elimination Divisional playoffs. If a team wins both halves, the team with the second best overall record will also have home field advantage on the first day.

Opponents will be determined by the two Divisional teams remaining with the best overall records. If a team wins both halves, opponents will be determined by the three Divisional teams remaining with the best overall record.

The First or Second half Divisional winner with the best overall record will host the remaining team with the second best overall record on day one.

The First or Second half Divisional winner with the second best overall record will host the remaining team with the best overall record on day one.

Home field advantage on day two will go to the team with the best overall record.

Day two winners will play in the best two of three Championship series.

Hot Stove Event

This Saturday, March 7, Growlers fan can find out even more news and updates from the team at their inaugural Hot Stove Event. The event will feature an appearance from former Detroit Tiger and World Series champion Darrell Evans. New Growlers Manager Travis Wade will also be in attendance along with front office staff and personnel. The team is also set to unveil the new name of the team’s mascot.

The event will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites of Kalamazoo from 6pm-8pm in the Kalamazoo room, located on the lower level. The event is free to the public and will include games for kids and snacks and drinks for guests in attendance. To find out more details on the event click here.

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 21 year old summer collegiate 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 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com.