Former Willmar Stinger Gus Varland Debuts with the Brewers
Written by Logan Bourandas
One more name was recently added to the list of Willmar Stingers to play in Major League Baseball after right-handed pitcher Gus Varland made his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers yesterday on Opening Day 2023. Varland is the 11th Stinger to make their MLB debut in the franchise’s fourteen seasons.
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In a 4-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Varland entered the game in the seventh inning and struck out Miles Mastrobuoni in his first batter faced on his way to a shutout inning.
Varland forced a bases-loaded ground-out against Trey Mancini to end the inning.
The 26-year old played for the Stingers in the summer of 2017 helping the team to one of their best seasons in franchise history with a 41-31 regular season record.
Varland played a big role in the Stingers’ rotation that season leading the team with 49 strikeouts while also posting a 1.42 ERA and a 6-1 record in his 13 appearances.
The Maplewood, Minnesota native was one of three pitchers on the 2017 Stingers team who eventually wore the Major Leaguers uniform. His brother, Louie made his debut with the Minnesota Twins last season as well as Nick Mears who debuted for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020.
Varland will look to continue to play a part in a Brewers bullpen looking to help the team build off an 86-win season in 2022.
If you would like more information on tickets for the 2023 season, or more information regarding this story, please contact the Willmar Stingers front office by calling 320-222-2010. For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.
The 2023 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
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The Willmar Stingers is a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 300 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 and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), 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 winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.