The Northwoods League has announced their 2016 Postseason All-Star team, a list of 31 players selected by coaches and media members from around the league. The Mallards are represented by two players: Troy Bacon (Santa Fe College) and Nico Hoerner (Stanford).
Bacon, a 2016 regular season All-Star and a participant in the Major League Dreams Showcase, leads the Mallards in strikeouts (53), saves (six), bullpen ERA (2.34) and bullpen WHIP (0.95). The native of Tampa, Florida, has been a major part of Madison’s success this summer, having the ability to enter the game with runners on and work his way out of tough situations. The right-hander was a 37th round selection by the Colorado Rockies in the 2016 MLB Draft.
“This is a great honor. Seeing all the talent in the Northwoods League and being thought of as one of the top players in the league is an amazing feeling,” said Bacon. “I’d like to thank the Mallards for believing in me even on days when I didn’t have my best stuff. This is definitely I summer I will never forget.”
Hoerner, also a participant in the Northwoods League Major League Dreams Showcase, is tied for the team lead in runs (43) and triples (three). The pride of Oakland, California, has acted as the everyday shortstop for the Mallards in 2016, making spectacular off-balance throws and running catches.
“The Northwoods League offers a tough season, so this award means a lot,” said Hoerner. “It’s rewarding since it takes my numbers from the entire season into account.”
The Mallards host a first round playoff game tonight, Monday, August 15th, against the Battle Creek Bombers. The game will get underway from the Duck Pond at Warner Park at 7:05 pm. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting MallardsBaseball.com, calling the Mallards ticket office at 608-246-4277, or stopping in the ticket office at 2920 N Sherman Ave.
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The Madison Mallards are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd 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 150 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.mallardsbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Mallards as your favorite team.
