Teichroew Looks To Lead Stinger Rotation As New Pitching Coach

When Stinger Field Manager Freddy Smith heard the news that his right hand man Michael Newstrom was leaving to take on a new opportunity. Smith had a decision to make.

After researching many different candidates, Smith looked to someone that had previously been on the Willmar coaching staff. This person was University of Mount Marty manager Josh Teichroew. Josh had coached in the Northwoods League just two seasons ago in Willmar. During his time with the Stingers in 2021 they had great success. This hire was a no brainer.

Teichroew accepted the pitching coach offer and has taken over big shoes in great fashion. Josh said this about his arrival in Willmar “It’s feels good to be back in Willmar, Marc and Ryan do a great job embracing the community, upon arrival you can tell how close and united these guys are I think this is one of the reasons they have had so much success in the first half.”

The team was not the only thing that was familiar to him upon accepting this position. There would be a name on the Stingers roster that Teichroew would be quite familiar with in Mount Marty Lancers starter Chris Rofe. Rofe has made 11 appearances and struckout 33 hitters. The bench boss had this to say about his top arm in the rotation both collegiately and now here in the Northwoods League.

“It’s pretty cool being back with Chris, he has had success in Willmar just like he had in college at Mount Marty. He is a smart kid as well. He wants to be a doctor but professional baseball could also be on the horizon, we will see what will happen. Chris has a good plan and outlook on life.”

His guy has been more than happy to welcome the bench boss to Willmar. Rofe had this to say before batting practice

“There is certainly a comfort level with a familiar face being around, he knows me and will be helpful for all of us because he knows his stuff.”

When asked about the comparison to collegiate ball and summer ball he compared it to a minor league schedule. He stated that “the unique thing about summer ball is that you are playing a professional schedule, therefore you need to manage the workload and do what makes sense between starts and bullpen outings, I fell in love with summer ball because I have had the chance to have great communication with these guys and tailoring what each guy needs before a start or outing so they can go out and compete to the best of their ability”

Teichroew will look to take the Stingers deep in the postseason as he manages this lethal pitching rotation.

For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.

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The Willmar Stingers are 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 24 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, over 325 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.