Willmar, Minn. – As the we look to the new season the Willmar Stingers would like to thank all of our host families: past, present, and future for their commitment. Thank you for taking these players into their house, giving them a bed, picking them up after long road trips, and giving them food to eat; really making them feel like part of the family. Host families are the backbone of this league and we don’t say this lightly but we have the best host families.

The Stingers host family program has matched student-athletes from all over the country with local families for the past 16 summers. This program has played an integral part in helping 100+ players live out their dreams of playing professional baseball, including the likes of major leaguers Brooks Lee (Minnesota Twins), Kyle Manzardo (Cleveland Guardians) and Louis Varland (Toronto Blue Jays). Throughout the years numerous outstanding relationships have been forged between Stingers players and their host families. Graduations, weddings and holidays have often been shared together after the season leading to the Stingers player becoming an honorary member of the family.

If you have ever thought about being a host family or wanted to learn more about the experience, please fill out this interest form (click here) or give the Stingers office a call at 320-222-2010. The Stingers staff can answer questions and get you connected with our host family coordinators.

For more information, contact the Willmar Stingers ticket office at 320-222-2010. Keep up with all Stingers news at wctrib.com, your trusted source for Stingers Baseball updates. The 2026 season is proudly presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, offering expert financial guidance to investors

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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. Having completed its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 410 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 two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) 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 (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv. 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.