Team’s lease extended through 2019 to continue play at Bill Taunton Stadium

WILLMAR, MN – The Willmar Stingers are excited to announce that a new 5-year lease has been agreed to with the City of Willmar to play its games at Bill Taunton Stadium through the 2019 season. The team had been working with the City of Willmar on an extension of their lease during the past year. “We are excited to extend our partnership with the City of Willmar and be able to continue to call Bill Taunton Stadium home,” Stingers co-owner Ryan Voz said. Through many collaborative projects between the Stingers and the City of Willmar, the seating capacity at Bill Taunton Stadium has grown from 1,100 to its current capacity of nearly 1,500.

Over the course of the Stingers first five seasons, over 175,000 fans have come through the gates at Bill Taunton Stadium. “The fan base here in Willmar is second to none. We’ve been fortunate to have their loyalty year in and year out,” added Voz. 

On the field, the Stingers have been one of the more successful franchises in the league. With 19 mid-season and 11 post-season All-Star nominations, fans in West Central Minnesota have been treated to some of the best talent college baseball has to offer. Marc Flores, from the University of Hawaii, was named the 2013 Northwoods League Co-Most Valuable Player for his outstanding season as a Stingers first-baseman.

There have been 37 players that have put on a Stingers uniform that have gone on to play professional baseball. Hunter Dozier, who played for the Stingers in 2012, was the second highest draft pick in the history of the Northwoods League. Dozier was drafted 8th overall in the first round by the Kansas City Royals in 2013, playing for their AA affiliate this past season. Jake Stinnett, who played for the Stingers in 2011, was drafted 45th overall in the second round by the Chicago Cubs this past June.

Of the 17 other franchises in the Northwoods League, not one has amassed more victories since 2010 than the Stingers’ 206 wins. “The relationships we have built with coaches across the country have enabled us to bring some outstanding players to Willmar. The leadership of our coaching staff each year has played a big factor in our on-field success,” Stingers co-owner Marc Jerzak said.

The Stingers will open their 6th season of Northwoods League baseball play in late May of 2015. Season tickets for the upcoming year are now available. For more information regarding this story or season ticket pricing, please call 320-222-2010 or visit www.willmarstingers.com.