Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers have announced today the signing of three assistant coaches for the upcoming 2025 Northwoods League season. The Stingers have added pitching coach Nick Belzer, assistant coach Derek Shoen and recruiting coordinator/scout Augie Rodriguez.

The recent coaching additions will join Stingers Field Manager Nate Johnson, who will make his debut at the helm after playing for the Stingers during their inaugural season in 2010.

These coaches and the front office are currently preparing for the upcoming 16^th Northwoods League season in Willmar.

After a college career and professional career, Belzer will now look to lead the Stingers pitchers this summer. He played college baseball at Minnesota State – Mankato from 2016-2018 and is a former Northwoods League player. He initially played one season for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and then two seasons with the Mankato MoonDogs.

After his college career, Belzer played professional baseball starting with the St. Paul Saints in the American Association before signing a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. Following his time with the Brewers, Belzer went back to playing in the American Association League for the Kansas City Monarchs. He also played a season in the ABL (Australian Baseball League) in 2022, finishing his career with the Kane County Cougars where he earned an All-Star spot en route to a championship win.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to coach in the Northwoods League with some of the best players and coaches in the country,” Belzer said. “I’m looking forward to helping the players on and off the field while enhancing their tools for their baseball careers. I’ve always had a strong passion for coaching and providing the players with good routine and direction in which professional baseball demands. Can’t wait to join the Stingers organization and see everyone come out to the ballpark!”

Shoen joins the team this summer from originally Truman, Minnesota. He brings a wealth of playing experience and hitting expertise to the Stingers this season. Shoen began his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College where he was part of the 2019 NJCAA JUCO World Series Runner-Up team. He then transferred to the University of Mary, becoming a standout hitter and earning All-Conference honors three times. Shoen set two program records for both home runs and hits in a single season while attending the University of Mary.

After college, Derek went on to play professional independent baseball for a year, competing in the Pecos League, Frontier League, Pioneer League, and the USPBL. Today, he shares his knowledge and passion for the game through private instruction at Becker Baseball Facility.

Rodriguez joins the Stingers after coaching and managing for several years in the League. Rodriguez brings a level of energy, passion, and charisma to the diamond that few can match. He started his college baseball career at Darton College from 1998 to 2000, moving to Augusta State University from 2000-2002. He played professional baseball from 2002 – 2007, most notably with the Criollos de Caguas in the LBPRC (Puerto Rico).

Augie then switched to coaching, beginning with his alma mater, Augusta State University as the pitching coach in 2010. Rodriguez served as the manager in St. Cloud from 2012-2020, winning Northwoods League Manager of the Year in 2016.

“My mission is to inspire and guide players to reach their full potential—not just as athletes, but as individuals,” Rodriguez said. “The Northwoods League and Stingers program have built a proven pipeline to professional baseball, and I’m committed to helping every player maximize that opportunity.” Augie and his family (Rachel, AJ, Vivianna) are thrilled to be a part of the Willmar Stingers this season.

Belzer, Shoen, and Rodriguez are poised to bring their wealth of knowledge to this year’s team.

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 2025 Home Opener and Fan Appreciation Night.

Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2025 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.

For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.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. Entering its’ 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network.  Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.