Willmar, MN – He’s Back!

The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce that Freddy Smith will return as the field manager as he has signed a two-year agreement to lead the Stingers in 2026 and 2027.

“The Northwoods League represents the pinnacle of summer collegiate baseball and there’s no place I’d rather be than back in the dugout with the Willmar Stingers,” Smith said. “The community is like a second home to me and I am grateful to be back with such a successful organization.”

Under his previous leadership, Willmar posted back-to-back-to-back record-setting campaigns, including three post-season appearances during his initial tenure. The Stingers posted a 48–20 record in 2022, along with a 51–16 finish in 2023 and another outstanding 44-26 record in 2024. In 2023, Smith earned the Northwoods League Manager of the Year honors and holds the highest winning percentage in team’s history.

During his time in Willmar, Smith helped develop players while also setting league and team records. The Stingers set consecutive league scoring records, league stolen base records and secured top playoff seeds in the Great Plains Division.

In 2024, the Stingers also set team records in batting average (.304), home runs (75), stolen bases (251), and runs scored (589). On the mound, the pitching staff contributed a franchise-best 628 strikeouts as well.

“The success on the field was fun, but the support from the fans, front office, and host families make coaching in Willmar so special,” Smith said.

Smith has spent the past five out of six years coaching in the league starting in 2019 with the Waterloo Bucks. Smith has spent the college season with a variety of top programs such as the University of Hawaii, Georgia State University and California State University-Northridge.

“Freddy has created the right culture and brings an unmatched work ethic to the Beehive,” said Ryan Voz, Stingers co-owner. “The combination of his baseball knowledge and his ability to connect with players has been a driving force in our success and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him back for 2026.”

As the Stingers prepare for the 17^th year of Northwoods League baseball and Smith’s return, the excitement is high, and fans should be witnessing another exciting season at Bill Taunton Stadium.

Smith along with the Stingers front office have begun recruiting next year’s team and will begin hiring the assistant coaches for next summer as well.

Freddy Smith – Stingers Coaching Record

• 2022: 48–20 | Great Plains West Champions | 2nd Half Division Champions | Franchise Record 525 Runs | #2 Overall Seed
• 2023: 51–16 | NWL Manager of the Year | Franchise Record 574 Runs | Single-Season Stolen Base Record | 1st & 2nd Half Division Champions | #1 Overall Seed
• 2024: 44–26 | Great Plains West First Half Champions | Record Team Batting Average, Home Runs, Runs, and Stolen Bases | Franchise Record 628 Strikeouts (Pitching)
• Career (2022–2024): 143–62 (.697) Regular Season | Over 150 Wins Including Playoffs | Highest Winning Percentage in the NWL during span

The Willmar Stingers will celebrate their 17th season in the Northwoods League in 2026, full season and half-season plans are available. 

For more information on this press release or questions on ticket packages for the upcoming season please call 320-222-2010 or visit willmarstingers.com.

The 2026 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 at (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 developing 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.