Willmar Stingers announce three returning infielders for 2023 season

Continuing on with our roster reveal for the 2023 season, the Willmar Stingers are proud to reveal three more returnees for the upcoming Northwoods League season. Middle infielders Scott Anderson, Aidan Byrne and Kyle Payne are all set to return for another potential playoff run. All three infielders played crucial roles in a potent offense a year ago, each of them posting batting averages over .300.

Anderson led the three of them hitting at a .358 clip in the 2022 season which was second on the Stingers only behind Graysen Tarlow. The second baseman also added on 25 RBI’s and only struck out 11 times in 33 games over the summer. Prior to that, Anderson was named the PacWest Defensive Player of the Year during his sophomore season at Point Loma Nazarene University. Anderson hit for a .312 batting average with nine home runs and 49 RBI’s during that season as well.

Bryne also played a big part in the Stingers success last season with a .323 average with 35 RBI’s. That RBI total was the fourth highest on the team last season. The shortstop is entering his redshirt-sophomore season at Minnesota State-Mankato University and in his last collegiate season finished with a .345 batting average which was the fifth highest on his team.

Closing out this week’s edition, Payne made his 90 at-bats with the Stingers last season worth while. Payne finished the season with a .300 batting average with two home runs and 12 RBI’s. Now entering his junior season at Northwest Nazarene University, Payne ended his last collegiate season as an Honorable Mention All-GNAC selection. In that season, Payne hit for a .254 average with three home runs and 24 RBI’s.

Those three Stingers, and many more still to be announced, will open up the 2023 Northwoods League season on May 31st at Bill Taunton Stadium against the Eau Claire Express.

If you would like more information on tickets for the 2023 season, or more information regarding this press release, please contact the Willmar Stingers front office by calling 320-222-2010. For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.

The 2023 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.