The Wausau Woodchucks are within one month of opening day for the 2024 season when they will play the reigning Northwoods League champs the Green Bay Rockers. The Woodchucks are coming off an exciting season, finishing with a record of 20-15 in the first half, 15-22 in the second half for an overall record of 35-37. The team looked destined to win the Great Lakes West in the first half, but they finished second and a half game behind the Green Bay Rockers.
Currently, the Woodchucks coaches and front office staff are assembling a starting lineup that will bring lots of action to a city that is ready for it. This roster is made up of players from all corners of America from all levels of baseball. They will showcase a balance of returning players and new faces. As the players prepare to make the move to central Wisconsin for the summer, prepare yourself by learning about the players you will be watching and find out how they are doing in their spring collegiate seasons.
Fans make recognize familiar names like Drew Berkland, Clayton Burke, and Alex Wallace as they’re all set to return for the 2024 season. Joining the Chucks for the ‘24 season include newcomers Cutter Clawson, and Deiten Lachance. Also returning to the Woodchucks for his 3rd season is Head Coach Corey Thompson. Thompson returns to lead the Chucks after taking a year off to focus on his career at Keiser University. Thompson had previously led the Chucks to the NWL Playoffs and had the winningest season in club history during the ‘21 season.
Drew Berkland is a sophomore at the University of Minnesota and comes from Wayzata, Minnesota. He is seeing major improvements in his hitting statistics from a season ago. As a true freshman, Berkland started in just 10 games and hit .171/.180/.171 in 23 total appearances. This season, the outfielder and catcher has improved those numbers and is looking ready to perform for the Woodchucks crowd once again. Last season as a Woodchuck, Berkland hit five home runs, and his summer was highlighted by a two home run day in a double header on June 21 as he helped the Woodchucks defeat the Madison Mallards 14-8 and 8-7. To learn more about Drew listen to his interview with the Woodchucks broadcasters on the Woodchucks Youtube and Instagram channels.
Clayton Burke is a right-handed pitcher and sophomore from Portland Oregon. He attends Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, and has made 12 starts this season. His numbers have been quite impressive, as last season for the Eagles he recorded 75 K’s in 76 IP. This year he has 72 K’s in 73.2 IP and has dropped his ERA from 3.55 a season ago to 2.69. His season high in K’s came on March 22 against Mount Mercy when he SO 10 in 7 IP to lead his team to a 2-0 victory. He will be another Woodchuck who has seen much improvement since he last played for Wausau.
The California native from Rancho Santa Margarita Alex Wallace is the last of the returning Woodchucks. He currently plays for McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. This season he has made 12 appearances and six starts and currently has 6-1 record and a 1.86 ERA in 38.2 IP with opponents batting just .171 against the right-handed pitcher. His season highlight came on April 13 when he went 5 IP striking out 11 batters and only allowing four hits, leading his team to a 11-1 win over Ranger College. As a Woodchuck, Wallace appeared in 5 games, pitched 9.2 innings and recorded 6 strikeouts, with a 2.38 ERA.
Deiten Lachance makes his NWL debut with the Woodchucks this upcoming season. A native of Quebec, Canada, the freshman from McLennan Community college is .342 across 52 games in the ‘24 season, with 63 RBI and 9 home runs. His best game was on April 11th, when he went 3-for-5 against Ranger College with 3 RBIs. (teammate of Alex Wallace)
Also making his NWL debut with the Chucks is MLB draft pick Cutter Clawson. Clawson has 34 strikeouts in 14 games across the ‘24 season for BYU.
Opening day is May 27th where the Woodchucks will take on the Green Bay Rockers at home. Gates open at 12:05pm and first pitch is slated for 1:05pm. Be there when the action kicks off – all tickets for the 2024 season are now on sale!
