Freddy Smith will be in his second season with the Willmar Stingers in 2023 after a record breaking 2022 season. He led the Stingers to a team best winning percentage  and broke the Northwoods League record in total runs scored with 525. Prior to the Stingers, Smith was the infield/hitting coach for the Waterloo Bucks and helped the team to a 2020 Minnesota/Iowa Pod Championship and a Great Plains Division playoff appereance in 2021. Smith is currently in his 2nd season as a graduate manager with the University of Hawaii under head coach Rich Hill.

 

Michael Newstrom will be returning to Willmar for his 2nd year as the Stinger’s pitching coach. He oversaw the pitching staff who ranked top-5 in the Northwoods League in strikeouts, ERA, and saves. During the 2022 season, pitchers John Klein was drafted by the Minnesota Twins  and John Bezdicek was signed by the Lincoln Saltdogs. Newstrom is currently in his 2nd year of graduate assistant at Washington State with the Cougars.

 

Mason Rapp will be returning for his 2nd season as an assistant coach for Stingers.Rapp will continue to oversee the outfielders and catchers development. During the 2022 season, Rapp helped the Stingers to a 48-20 record and a Great Plains Championship appeareance. Rapp is currently an assistant coach with the University of Minnesota-Morris Cougars. He previously was with the University of Mary (ND) and served as a graduate assistant.