December 14, 2009

(Willmar, MN) – The Willmar Stingers are proud to announce the hiring of Matt Hollod as its Field Manager for the inaugural 2010 season.  Hollod is currently an assistant coach at NCAA DI Southern Utah University and brings a wealth of baseball coaching and playing experience to the newest Northwoods League franchise. 

Prior to his coaching career, Hollod was a solid two-way player at the University of Washington and the University of Portland.  He was an honorable mention All-West Coast Conference pitcher following his junior season and led Portland in hitting (.346) during his senior season.

Hollod is no stranger to summer ball as he spent this past summer as a coach for the Oahu Paddlers of the Hawaii Baseball Collegiate League. He is also very familiar with the Northwoods League as he played for the Grand Forks Channel Cats in 1998 and 1999 as a two-way player.  In 1998, he finished in the Northwoods League Top Ten in hitting with a .320 average.

“Matt was a top college player and has been around the game his whole life,” said Stingers co-owner Ryan Voz. “Following his playing career, he jumped right into coaching and has proven to us that he is ready to be a field manager.”  “It’s a unique story in that he played for two years in the league with Grand Forks and now he will have the opportunity to reverse roles and be a manager in the league,” added Stingers co-owner Marc Jerzak.

Prior to his current position at Southern Utah, Hollod spent a year at Willamette University (Salem, Ore.)  where he oversaw the Bearcats offense.  The team enjoyed strong offensive numbers under Hollod, hitting .313, including 82 doubles. The team also led the league in home runs with 53, and finished the season with 21 victories, the most in six seasons.  From 2003-2008 Hollod was an assistant with the University of Portland. His duties, at one time or another included recruiting, scheduling, fundraising, summer placement for players, conditioning, outfield play, pitching and hitting. 

Hollod also served as an academic advisor for his players on campus.  When working with pitchers, his staff featured two all-league honorees and six athletes that were drafted and are still active in the minor league baseball system.

 “I’m extremely excited for the upcoming season. I feel privileged not only to have been given this great opportunity to manage in the best college summer league in the country, but also because I will be working closely with two outstanding owners/general managers.” Hollod said. 

The Willmar Stingers join the Northwoods League in 2010 as the 15th current franchise. The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 17th season of Northwoods League baseball will begin in early June 2010. 

Season tickets are available for the 2010 season, which includes 34-home games and a reserved seat behind home plate. A special introductory price of $99 still remains for reserved season tickets.  Regular priced season tickets will be $149 for reserved season tickets and $169 for box seat season tickets.   For more information, please feel free to contact the Willmar Stingers at 320-222-2010, www.willmarstingers.com  or follow Stingers Baseball on Facebook & Twitter.