Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce the addition of James Manker as the organization’s Director of Player Personnel and Fan Experience for the 2026 season. In this role, Manker will play a key part in both the team’s baseball operations and the overall experience delivered to Stingers fans throughout the summer.

Manker will oversee player personnel coordination, working closely with coaches, host families, and front office staff to ensure players have the resources and support needed for success during their time in Willmar. He will also assist in roster management, player communication, and day-to-day team operations throughout the season.

In addition to his responsibilities with player personnel, Manker will help lead fan engagement initiatives and game-day entertainment efforts at Bill Taunton Stadium. His role will focus on creating memorable experiences for fans while continuing to strengthen the connection between the Stingers organization and the Willmar community.

James Manker graduated from the University of Louisville in December 2025 after gaining valuable experience in collegiate summer and professional baseball. He spent the 2022 season with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes before joining the Joliet Slammers for the 2023 and 2024 summers. Across those roles, Manker developed experience in baseball operations, player relations, and fan engagement, helping prepare him for his role with the Willmar Stingers.

“We are excited to bring James onto our staff for the 2026 season,” said Keaton Worley, Team President. “His passion for baseball, ability to connect with people, and commitment to creating a first-class experience for both our players and fans make him a great fit for our organization.”

The addition of Manker further strengthens the Stingers front office heading into the 2026 season, as the organization continues its commitment to providing a high-level experience both on and off the field.

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.