Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers announce today that they have signed two returning Minnesota Gophers. Left-handed pitcher Will Whelan (Freshman) and infielder Jack Spanier (Freshman) will be back at Bill Taunton Stadium for the 2024 Northwoods League season. 

Whelan, fulfilled the role as a serviceable lefty for field manager Freddy Smith last season. Predominately used out of the bullpen, Whelan tallied 19.2 innings pitched over nine appearances earning one save. Whelan has the potential to dominate the opposing batters with his wipeout pitch mix. Over his 19.2 innings, Whelan accrued a staggering 28 Ks averaging a rate of 13.12 K/9. Though snake bitten by missing the strike zone on occasion, Whelan and the Stingers are excited to welcome back the southpaw. 

Prior to his collegiate career, Whelan was a three-sport Athlete for baseball, basketball, and football. His senior year, he was a finalist for both the Mr. Baseball Minnesota and East Metro Player of the Year awards. In addition to being named All-Section and All-State in his final season, he was also selected for the Play Ball! Minnesota All Star team. He was named Northwest Suburban All-Conference in baseball his junior and senior years, as well being selected to the Prep Baseball Report Future Games in the summer of 2021. Named Preseason Underclass All-American by Perfect Game, he has been named to three all-tournament teams, including honors at WWBA Midwest Championship. He was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 1 LHP in the state of Minnesota and No. 5 player overall. 

Spanier, is a newer face to the Stingers’ franchise. The right-handed infielder appeared in three games last season with ten at-bats. Though the volume of play does not stand out, Spanier gave Willmar an insight to the player he could be. In his short stint with the team in 2023, he did have an on base percentage over .460. A player who can get on base and work counts can only be an asset Smith would be glad to have in his pocket for the upcoming summer. 

Looking back at his time at Rocori High School, Spanier totaled 10 varsity letters during his career between baseball, football, and basketball. A three-year starter for the Spartans at shortstop, Spanier finished his senior season as one of the top players in Minnesota. Over the previous two seasons, he helped lead the Spartans to a 29-19 record and twice into the section semifinals.  Spanier was twice named to the All-District Team in addition to being named to the St. Cloud Times All-Metro 2nd Team. As a senior, he was named the Minnesota Player of the Year for Class 3A in addition to All-Conference, All-State and Play Ball! Minnesota All Star team selections.

These two Gophers are coming back for their second season in Willmar. Having seen and aided in the record setting 2023 season, Whelan and Spanier are itching to return and push the Stingers to the next level in 2024. 

Season ticket packages, group tickets, and Kwik Trip 5-game and 7-game plans are available. The Kwik Trip ticket plans include premium select games throughout the summer that includes the 2024 Home Opener and Fan Appreciation Night.

Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2024 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

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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 31th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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.