Stingers Finalize Coaching Staff for 2013
Former player Leyva will return to coach this summer  

WILLMAR, MN- The Willmar Stingers have finalized its coaching staff for the upcoming 2013 season.  Field Manager Matt Hollod has put together a coaching staff that will include three assistant coaches.  Returning this season for the Stingers will be Steve Sanchez along with new coaches PJ McIntee and former Stingers player Carlos Leyva.  

Sanchez is currently in his 5th season at San Diego Mesa Community College as their infield and hitting coach.  To go along with his coaching responsibilities, Sanchez is an instructor of Health and Physical Education courses at San Diego Mesa.  In 2012 with the Stingers, Sanchez worked with the infielders and hitters primarily.  

PJ McIntee comes to Willmar by way of Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, IA.  At Southeastern, McIntee has instructed on hitting, the catchers, and some recruiting for the Blackhawks.  In 2012, McIntee’s first season at SCC, the team batting average was .320 and saw two players receive All-American honors.  McIntee has previous summer coaching experience; he was a coach with the Wilson Bulldogs in the Boise Summer Collegiate League.  Because of his efforts with the Bulldogs, McIntee was selected to the coaching staff for the BSL All-Star Game.

Carlos Leyva, a member of the 2010 Stingers team as an infielder, will return to Willmar an be an assistant coach under Matt Hollod.  After playing with the Stingers, Leyva was selected in the 32nd round of the Major League Baseball entry draft in 2011 by the New York Mets.  Leyva spent a season playing with the Kingsport Mets in the Applachian League.  In his only year of professional baseball, Leyva hit .227 in 30 games.

“I am excited to have this group of guys joining the coaching staff,” Field Manager Matt Hollod remarked.  “Each of these guys bring a unique perspective and coaching style that will provide our players some valuable experience to learn from,” added Hollod.

Single game tickets for the Home Opener presented by Marcus Construction and the other 34-home games are currently on sale.  Fans can purchase tickets for the 2013 season on www.willmarstingers.com or by calling the box office at 320-222-2010.  Season tickets for the 2013 season are $169 for reserved seat backs and $199 for the Gurley’s Foods box seats.

The 2013 season begins Wednesday, May 29th at 7:05 pm.  The Home Opener presented by Marcus Construction will feature former Minnesota Twin Greg Gagne and post-game fireworks.  For more information regarding the Home Opener presented by Marcus Construction, visit www.willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010. The 2013 season is presented by Charter.

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