Story by: Noah Voz<\/p>\n
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The Mankato MoonDogs are ready to turn up the excitement as they announce the return of Field Manager Danny Kneeland for the 2026 season!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Managerial Accomplishments:<\/span><\/p>\n Career Record: 136-107<\/span><\/p>\n 2025 Great Plains West Second Half Champions<\/span><\/p>\n 2025 Great Plains West Division Champions<\/span><\/p>\n 15 All Star Nominees<\/span><\/p>\n 2022 League MVP, Sean Ross<\/span><\/p>\n 29 professional contracts<\/span><\/p>\n 12 MLB Draft Picks<\/span><\/p>\n 3 years as associate head coach at BLC\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 74-39 Record at BLC<\/span><\/p>\n 3 Conference Championships<\/span><\/p>\n Top 10 nationally in 2025 in Batting Average, On Base Percentage, Slugging Percentage, and Runs scored<\/span><\/p>\n Kneeland\u2019s leadership has not only brought victories but has also woven a rich tapestry of local connections. As an associate head coach at nearby Bethany Lutheran College, he has deepened his commitment to nurturing both local talent, from the likes of MNSU, and players from power schools far and wide, creating a vibrant pipeline of players ready to shine for the MoonDogs. His collaborative spirit has made him a vital part of the Mankato baseball community.<\/span><\/p>\n Under his strategic guidance, the team has embraced a culture of camaraderie and development, transforming the clubhouse into a sanctuary for budding athletes. Kneeland\u2019s dedication to fostering talent has made him a beloved figure in Mankato, and his return ignites hope for an unforgettable season ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n As the MoonDogs gear up for a summer filled with cracking bats and roaring crowds, fans can expect to witness a brand of baseball that embodies the spirit of teamwork and local pride. The anticipation is building for an exhilarating season where every game is a chance to rally behind the team and create lasting memories.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its\u2019 31st<\/sup>\u00a0season, 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 350 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 two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019\/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+\u00a0<\/em>(at\u00a0watch.northwoodsleague.com<\/a>), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.\u00a0 Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at\u00a0watchnwl.com<\/a>. For more information, visit\u00a0www.northwoodsleague.com<\/a>\u00a0or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Story by: Noah Voz The Mankato MoonDogs are ready to turn up the excitement as they announce the return […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":17144,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17143","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archives"],"yoast_head":"\n