World Series Champion Scott Erickson to throw out the first pitch for the ninth season

WILLMAR, MN – The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League are excited to announce that World Series Champion and former Minnesota Twin Scott Erickson will be this year’s opening night guest.

Erickson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Stingers Home Opener presented by Marcus Construction at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29^th at Bill Taunton Stadium as the Stingers will take on the St. Cloud Rox.

Erickson will join the likes of former home opener Stingers guests (Paul Molitor, Bret Saberhagen, Greg Gagne, Eddie Guardado, Jacque Jones, Terry Steinbach and Tom Brunansky).  

Erickson will be on hand to take pictures and sign autographs for fans when gates open at 6 p.m. The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a 2018 magnet schedule and all be treated to a post-game fireworks extravaganza. 

Erickson was drafted in the 4^th round by the Minnesota Twins in the 1989 June Amateur Draft from the University of Arizona. A year later he burst into the scene as a rookie, winning eight games in half a season after his call up to the Major Leagues. He made his debut at 22 years old, picking up the win as a starting pitcher against the Texas Rangers, throwing six innings, striking out four batters and only allowing one run.  

Erickson, in his second year of the Major Leagues, helped led the Minnesota Twins to their second World Championship. Erickson led the American League with 20 wins as a pitcher and finished runner-up in the American League Cy Young Award behind Roger Clemens.

During that season, Erickson also made the 1991 MLB All-Team Team and ended being a part of the Twins organization for six seasons. A highlight to Erickson’s career was his historic no-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 27, 1994.

Erickson played a total of 15 seasons in Major League Baseball with six different Major League franchises (Minnesota, Baltimore, New York (NL), Los Angeles, New York (AL), Texas). For his career, Erickson had 142 total wins, 51 complete games, 17 shutouts and an earned run average of 4.59.

To secure your seats for this year’s home opener and all games, visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 beginning Tuesday, May 1^st. The upcoming season is filled with fun promotions each night and fans can enjoy new promos such as Renew Your Vows Night, One Hit Wonders Night and TV Tunes Nights for example.

For a full list of the promotional schedule, click here: 2018 Promotional Schedule.

The 2018 season of Stingers Baseball is presented by Marcus Construction. “From start to finish we’ll make your job easier and build a facility you will be proud of.”