November 8, 2011

(Willmar, MN) – Fans of the Northwoods League have been treated to seeing some of the top talent play middle infield over the past two seasons for the Willmar Stingers. This coming year the organization hopes its latest players who signed this week will follow in same footsteps as former Stingers standouts such as; Jason Leblebijian, Rob Elliot, Carter Bell and Carlos Leyva. 

Three middle infielders and a catcher will be a part of the third Stingers season which will open at the end of May next spring. Two elite freshmen Max Kuhn (University of Kentucky) and Matt Jackson (University of Washington) along with junior Kenny Roberts (University of Alabama) will anchor the middle infield. Also joining the team is junior catcher Dillion Haupt (University of San Diego). 

“Without a doubt we had some of the best infielders in the league, guys we could count on each day and played the game the right way,” Stingers Manager Matt Hollod said. “We’re looking forward to getting these guys in uniform and see what they can do during the third season.” 

Kuhn, a 24th round draft pick by the Oakland Athletics decided to forego the major league draft and continue his  education, playing NCAA Division I baseball. Kuhn was one of seven Wildcat signees to have been drafted but elected to attend Kentucky for their collegiate careers. The Wildcats recruiting class has them ranked 25th in the country entering the spring season.

Jackson, also a middle infielder, is one of sixteen recruits for the Huskies.  He earned honorable mention All-Catholic Athletic League honors at Valley Christian High School last season. He batted .400 with eight doubles and had 23 runs in 27 games. He was also named to the 2010 Northern California all-star team. 

An exciting player to watch next summer will be junior transfer Kenny Roberts from Meridian, MS. Roberts attended Meridian College the last two years where he appeared in 85 games, producing a career batting average of .396 with 21 home runs, 84 RBI and 96 runs scored. He also had 27 doubles, six triples and was 20-for-26 in stolen base opportunities.  

Behind the plate next season the Stingers pitchers will have a big target to hit. Future teammate Haupt is a 6-foot-5 inch, 220 lbs. catcher who will be one of three catchers the Stingers sign before opening day.

Last season he threw out 14 runners in 25 games and hit eight home runs for San Diego Mesa College. The latest players to sign with the Stingers along with the eight announced returners, brings the roster to 12 current players on the 2012 roster.  

The Northwoods League which is the largest summer collegiate league in the country will release the 2012 schedule in the coming weeks. Stingers season tickets are currently available for $169 for reserved seat backs and $199 for box seat season tickets.  For more information regarding the roster and upcoming season presented by Charter, please call 320-222-2010.