Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers Baseball Club are excited to announce the addition of three coaches to the 2026 staff: Augie Rodriguez (Recruiting Coordinator), CJ Yogi (Hitting Coach), and Alex Mihalakis (Pitching Coach). The trio brings a strong blend of Division I experience, player development expertise, and recruiting insight as the Stingers prepare for the upcoming Northwoods League season.

Augie Rodriguez – Recruiting Coordinator
Rodriguez joins the Stingers as the team’s Recruiting Coordinator, where he will play a key role in identifying and securing talent for the 2026 roster. With strong connections across the collegiate landscape, Rodriguez brings an eye for evaluating skill sets and building relationships that align with the Stingers’ culture and competitive standards. His efforts will help ensure the roster continues to feature high-level talent from across the country.

CJ Yogi – Hitting Coach
Yogi enters his fourth year coaching at the Division I level and currently serves as the Director of Player Development at UC Irvine. In his role, he works extensively with hitters and catchers, focusing on offensive consistency, approach development, and overall player growth.

A former infielder and catcher at Cal State Northridge in the Big West Conference, Yogi brings firsthand experience competing at a high collegiate level. His background as a versatile player, combined with his development-driven coaching philosophy, will provide valuable leadership and guidance to the Stingers’ lineup this summer.

Alex Mihalakis – Pitching Coach
Mihalakis joins the Stingers as Pitching Coach for the 2026 season and currently serves as the Director of Pitching Performance and Analytics for the Long Beach State Dirtbags. Recognized as a fast-rising coach in the pitching development space, Mihalakis specializes in data-driven pitch design, performance optimization, and individualized development plans.

Throughout his coaching career, he has worked with players from youth to professional levels, including stops with the Menlo Park Legends and serving as Camp Director for both the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. Prior to transitioning into coaching, Mihalakis had a successful playing career at Long Beach State and Mission College, giving him valuable perspective both on the mound and in player development.

“We’re extremely excited about the staff we’ve assembled for 2026,” said Stingers President Keaton Worley. “Augie, CJ, and Alex each bring a different strength to our program — from recruiting and player development to advanced pitching analytics. Together, they’ll help create an environment that allows our players to grow and compete at a high level this summer.”

The Stingers will continue preparations for the 2026 Northwoods League season in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to stay connected for additional roster and staff announcements leading up to Opening Day.

Now is the perfect time to lock in your seats for what promises to be an exciting season. The Stingers are offering 7-Game and 5-Game Kwik Trip Ticket Plans, giving fans the flexibility to catch the biggest nights of the summer while enjoying added perks and savings. Ticket plans are available now at willmarstingers.com or by calling the Stingers front office at (320)222-2010.

The Willmar Stingers will celebrate their 17th season in the Northwoods League in 2026, all plans are available.

The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.

For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office at (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com

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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 developing elite college baseball players. Entering its 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 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 380 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) 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 (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.