Madison, WI – July 7, 2008. The Madison Mallards are excited to announce that Manager C.J. Thieleke will be coaching the South Division All-Stars in the 2008 Northwoods League All-Star Game on Monday, July 14 at the “Duck Pond,” after leading the team to a 22-11 record and the South Division first-half championship.

The Mallards finished the first half winning 10 of their last 12, including a crucial doubleheader sweep of Battle Creek on July 3rd to punch a ticket to the postseason. From June 21st to June 28th the team won seven straight games, highlighted by two extra-inning wins over division-leading Wisconsin.

Entering 2008 Thieleke has compiled a 120-91 record in three seasons as Mallards skipper. Prior to taking the reigns in 2005 he was an assistant coach with the Mallards for two seasons. With the first-half championship already wrapped up, the Mallards will return to the playoffs in August for the first time since 2006.

Mankato MoonDogs Manager Jason Nell will be in the coaching box for the North Division All-Stars. The fourth-year manager led the team to the North Division first-half championship with a record of 20-14.

The Mallards will be hosting a playoff game on either August 12th or 13th. Stay tuned to mallardsbaseball.com for information on when playoff tickets will go on sale.

Great seats are still available for both the NWL Home Run Derby on Sunday, July 13 at 4:30 p.m., and the All-Star Game on Monday, July 14 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at mallardsbaseball.com or by calling the Mallards box office at 608.246.4277.