Willmar, MN- The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce that the organization will be accepting applications for a grant, courtesy of the Northwoods League Foundation’s program entitled “Share the Glove”. The Northwoods League Foundation will be awarding 25 communities with youth baseball and softball equipment through Share the Glove. Grants to be awarded this spring. Each grant will include one set of catcher’s gear (plus mitt), nine fielding gloves, six batting helmets, three bats and one bucket of practice balls.
What is the grant?
The grant is a standardized set of Rawlings equipment, sized for youth ages 9-12. There will be thirteen (13) baseball grants and twelve (12) softball grants awarded throughout the Northwoods League affiliates. Willmar has been chosen to award one of the baseball grants for the 2024 season.
Who is eligible to receive the grant?
The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible to receive the grant
- Organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization, school or school-based program, or community-based organization as defined under US IRC section 501(c)(3);
- Organization is not an individual, for-profit business, political, or religious organization;
- Organization provides opportunities for kids ages 9-12 to play baseball or softball within a community that is served by a Northwoods League affiliate.
How will grant applications be accepted and awarded?
The Stingers organization will be accepting grant applications from organizations within the West Central Minnesota community. To complete an application, click here: Share the Glove Grant Application. Grant recipients will be notified in mid-May, ahead of the Stingers Home Opener scheduled for May 29th. The application deadline is April 15th.
“This program was originally launched in honor of the Northwoods League 25th season,” recalls Northwoods League Deputy Commissioner Tina Coil. “As we head into our 31st season this summer, Share the Glove has become a fundamental program of the Northwoods League Foundation, helping to grow the games of baseball and softball throughout our member communities.”
Season ticket packages, group tickets, and Kwik Trip 5-game and 7-game plans are available. The Kwik Trip ticket plans include premium select games throughout the summer that includes the 2024 Home Opener and Fan Appreciation Night.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2024 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
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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. Now in its 31th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world 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, over 325 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 (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. 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.
