Published On: December 19th, 2023

WHAT LEVEL IS THE NORTHWOODS LEAGUE?

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. It is the largest organized summer collegiate baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. The 2024 season will mark the 31st season of the League’s existence.

A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 320 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 Max Scherzer (LAD), 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 finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR).

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT THE NORTHWOODS LEAGUE

Max Scherzer

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 in the Northwoods League 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.

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