Stingers season schedule announced for the 2019 season

Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce that the 2019 season schedule has been officially unveiled by the Northwoods League, with each franchise playing a 36-game home schedule.

The Stingers will begin their tenth season of play on Tuesday, May 28^th on the road against the Mankato MoonDogs as part of a 4-game home & home series, with the Stingers opening up at Bill Taunton Stadium on Wednesday, May 29^th.

The Northwoods League will now feature 22 teams with the additions of the Kokomo Jackrabbits (IN) and Traverse City Baseball (MI). As part of the 2019 expansion and realignment, the League is adopting new divisional names: Great Plains and Great Lakes. The names serve as an homage to the growth the League has experienced over its 25-year history, as well as its vast geographic presence, stretching from the Great Plains at its western-most edge, throughout the Great Lakes region to the East.

The Division and Sub-Division breakout is as follows:

Great Plains
- West:Bismarck, Mankato, Rochester, St. Cloud, Willmar
- East:Duluth, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Thunder Bay, Waterloo
Great Lakes
- West:Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Lakeshore, Madison, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Rapids
- East:Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Kenosha, Kokomo, Rockford, Traverse City

“The Northwoods League 2019 schedule is of particular note as it reflects not only the continuing expansion of the Northwoods League to 22 teams, but also the resulting Divisional realignment,” said President Gary Hoover. “In creating this new structure, we believe the fans, players, and our Affiliates will have an enhanced overall experience, and we look forward to making more refinements in the near future that are aimed at raising the bar even higher.”

The League, which plays two halves to determine playoff participants, will end the first half of play on July 3 with the second half beginning the following day. The 2019 Northwoods League All-Star game will take place in Waterloo, IA on July 16. The 2019 All-Star game will be the 25^th All-Star game in the League’s history.

The innovative Major League Dreams Showcase will take place at Warner Park, in Madison, for its seventh year on August 6, 2019. Participating players are hand-selected by a panel of major league scouts, distinguishing this event from the more traditional All-Star Game format that features representatives from every team. Much like the All-Star Game, however, the Showcase is a “can’t-miss” for baseball fans looking to catch a glimpse of the country’s elite collegiate baseball talent. Proceeds from this marquee event support the NWL Foundation.

The Stingers front office is continuing to build a 30-man roster for the 2019 season. If you would like more information on tickets for the 2019 season, or more information regarding this press release, please contact the Willmar Stingers front office at 320-222-2010 or visit www.willmarstingers.com.

The 2019 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.”