Ryan Voz Named as President/Commissioner of the NWL

PRESS RELEASE – Ryan Voz, co-owner of the Willmar Stingers, has been named as the 4th President/Commissioner of the Northwoods League.

Five NWL Teams Will Begin Play July 1 in Regional ‘Minnesota-Iowa Pod’

PRESS RELEASE – Another “pod” of Northwoods League teams comprised of the Willmar Stingers, Mankato MoonDogs, Rochester Honkers, St. Cloud Rox and the Waterloo Bucks will return for play this summer starting July 1. The season for this pod will last until August 20th with the team holding the best winning percentage being declared the winner.

The NWL and Kingfish Announce Plans for 2020 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The Northwoods League and the Kenosha Kingfish are happy to announce that the Kingfish will be taking the field this summer in front of fans at Simmons Field.

Northwoods Leagues Announces Six-Team ‘Michigan Pod’ to Begin Summer Play

PRESS RELEASE – The Traverse City Pit Spitters, Kalamazoo Growlers and the Battle Creek Bombers in cooperation with the Northwoods League, announced today that baseball will be played in Traverse City, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek this summer.

Six Northwoods League Teams Will Begin Play July 1 in Regional ‘Wisconsin-Illinois Pod’

PRESS RELEASE – Another “pod” of Northwoods League teams comprised of the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders, the Green Bay Booyah, the La Crosse Loggers, the Rockford Rivets, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, and the Wisconsin Woodchucks will return for play this summer starting July 1st.

Bismarck Larks Add Two Teams to Play in 2020: Bismarck Bull Moose, Mandan Flickertails

PRESS RELEASE – The Bismarck Larks have made big changes to their 2020 season. The biggest change is welcoming two other Northwoods League teams to the community, the Flickertails and Bull Moose. To eliminate travel, the three teams will each play a 48-game schedule against each other for a total of 72 games at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, home of Dakota Community Bank & Trust Field.

Kalamazoo Growlers to Temporarily Re-Brand as ‘Mac Daddies’

PRESS RELEASE – Father’s day might look a bit different for many families on June 21st due to COVID-19. The same will be said for the Kalamazoo Growlers baseball team when the team will rename itself the “Kalamazoo Mac Daddies” in honor of fathers and mac and cheese lovers. The change is a dual salute to Dad, along with Michigan’s Undeniably Dairy Mac and Cheese Festival that is still slated to be hosted at Homer Stryker Field for the 2nd year later this fall after selling out in record time in 2019.

Cinco de Mayo at Witter Field

PRESS RELEASE – The Rafters are opening up the Triple Play Taqueria for a Cinco de Mayo special! The Taqueria will be open from 11:00am – 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 5th. Please call ahead and place your order to pick up at Witter Field. Orders will be taken starting April 30th through May 5th at 5:30pm and must be placed before entering the gates of Witter Field. Orders can be placed by calling the Rafters Front Office at 715-424-5400 or emailing info@raftersbaseball.com.

Oconomowoc Council Approves Ballpark Plans

In case you missed the news, Oconomowoc (WI) is getting a new baseball stadium.  The city’s Common Council has unanimously approved plans to build a 2,500-seat baseball stadium for a Northwoods League (Summer Collegiate) franchise and a 43,000 square foot indoor health and wellness training center.  Read more here.

Timber Rattlers to Host Summer Collegiate Teams for Inaugural Showcase

The summer collegiate Fond du Lac Dock Spiders and the Madison Mallards will play in the inaugural Northwoods League “Road to the Show Minor League Classic” at Neuroscience Group Field, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Single-A, Midwest League), on Wednesday, June 24.  This will be the first Northwoods League game played in a current minor league stadium.  Read more and watch news report here.

Oconomowoc Delays Consideration of Baseball Stadium Until March 3

The City of Oconomowoc (WI) Common Council has temporarily put off the fate of a proposed indoor athletic health and wellness facility and baseball stadium, citing the need for more time to process information about the proposed project. They’ll take up the matter again at 6:30 p.m. on March 3.  Read more here and here.

Eau Claire Express Unveil ‘Sweet 16’ Season Logo

The Eau Claire Express (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) have announced the team’s 2020 season-long promotion with the unveiling of their ‘Sweet 16’ season logo and promotional update.  Celebrating their 16th season as a team in 2020, 16 games throughout the upcoming season will recognize and celebrate the franchise’s key accomplishments — one year and game at a time.  Read more here.

Oconomowoc (WI) Next Batter Up for Ballpark Development

Diamond Club Entertainment LLC, which previously proposed a baseball complex in the city of Pewaukee (WI) and the village of Summit (WI), now has its sights set on a new location in the city of Oconomowoc (WI).  The development, which calls for a 2,500-seat ballpark and a 60,000-square-foot training center attached to the field, would be on nearly 22 acres in Pabst Farms, south of Interstate 94 and directly west of Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, which is at 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive.  The project is scheduled to go before he planning commission on Dec. 11.  Read more here.

$5,000 Reward Offered in Mallards Arson Case

As reported last week, the merchandise shop at the home of the Madison Mallards (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) suffered significant damage because of a fire, including a collapsed roof.  Arson is suspected.  There is now a $5,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.  Read more here.

Mickey Graham Named NWL Executive of the Year, Traverse City Voted Top Organization of 2019

PRESS RELEASE – The Northwoods League has announced that Mickey Graham, GM of the 2019 Northwoods League Summer Collegiate World Series Champion Traverse City Pit Spitters, has been named the 2019 Northwoods League Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League’s annual fall meetings last week in Rochester, MN is given annually to the League’s outstanding executive. In another vote, the Traverse City Pit Spitters were awarded the Organization of the Year award.

St. Croix River Hounds on Track for 2021 Inaugural Season in NWL

PRESS RELEASE – The Northwoods League and the St. Croix River Hounds are excited to announce that the St. Croix Meadows development in Hudson, Wisconsin is under construction and the infrastructure is near completion.

Booyah Open New Ballpark

The Green Bay Booyah (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League), opened the new Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon (WI) on Saturday night versus the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.  The team’s new mascot, Rocky Bal-booyah, made a grand entrance via helicopter.  Read more and watch news report here.  View stadium gallery here.

First Look at Green Bay’s New Ballpark

In a little over a week, $14-million Capital Credit Union Park in the Village of Ashwaubenon (WI) will open its gates for the community. It will be the home of re-branded Green Bay Booyah (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) and Green Bay Voyageurs (USL League Two) soccer team.  Read more and watch news report here.

We are about to tour Capital Credit Union Park, home of @booyahbaseball. First game is next Saturday in the new stadium. pic.twitter.com/BDl5S7FpVJ

— Ben Krumholz WLUK (@BenKrumholzWLUK) May 23, 2019

Booyah Home Nearing Completion

Work on Capital Credit Union Park, home of the Green Bay Booyah (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League), is progressing nicely.  The inaugural season at the new home field will be Saturday, June 1.  Read more and view photo here.

Over the last month, our team has been busy building out the field base for the Green Bay Booyah's new home at Capital Credit Union Park. Next week we start laying out their new synthetic turf system! #Booyah #Progress #NorthwoodsLeague #Baseball pic.twitter.com/cN8GffT2AW

— SCG Fields, LLC (@SCGfields) May 2, 2019

Larks Add New Deck

Bismarck Municipal Ballpark, home of the Bismarck Larks (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League), will have a new, sure-to-be popular summertime feature.  Construction of a 2,500 square foot deck along the right field line will be ready for its 2019 debut later this month.  The team and the Bismarck Parks and Recreation District teamed to make the project happen.  Construction began this week.  Read more here.  View press release and renderings here.

Pit Spitters Unveil List of Potential New Food Items, Fans Encouraged to Vote

For the past two weeks, the Traverse City Pit Spitters (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) have been soliciting ideas for new food items to be served this season and now, the list has been whittled down to the top seven ideas.  From Tuesday, April 23rd through Friday, May 3rd fans will be able to vote on their favorite potential new food item by clicking here.  See options below:

Booyah Unveil Jerseys, Mascot

The Green Bay Booyah (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) unveiled their new flannel-inspired jersey designs and mascot named “Rocky” at the Ashwaubenon Branch Library on Saturday. Read more and watch video here.

Green Bay Booyah fans, here's what your new team mascot and jerseys look like.
MORE: https://t.co/9dsr7p6kqS pic.twitter.com/ZTp5txi6fI

— WLUK-TV FOX 11 (@fox11news) April 14, 2019

Michigan Battle Cats Return for One Night

PRESS RELEASE – No April Fools, here. While not rebranding full time, the Battle Creek Bombers will be throwing it Back to the Battle Cats On Friday, July 19th. The Bombers will be wearing specialty jerseys and hats to honor the Michigan Battle Cats for one night only. All jerseys will be auctioned off via a silent auction during the game. Very limited merchandise items will be available for purchase in the team store.

Legislature vs. Boise on Ballpark Front?

Boise city officials want to build an $85 million new main library and a $50 million stadium west of Downtown.  They want to use urban-renewal money to help pay for them.  A bill moving through the Legislature could crimp those plans.  Or could it? Read more here.

Booyah Ballpark Construction Update

As construction continues, Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon (WI), the new home for the Green Bay Booyah (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League), is starting to look like a real ballpark.  The team’s home opener is scheduled for June 1.  Read more and watch news report here.

You'll want to watch the video for this one. We look at the progress at Ashwaubenon's new sports venue and what Capital Credit Union Park will look like when finished: https://t.co/83uBCaYIqF

— WBAY-TV 2 (@WBAY) March 27, 2019

Mallards Announce ‘Dad Bod’ Contest

Do you work hard year round on perfecting your beer belly?  Have you been told that you have chest hair to rival Wolverine’s?  Has your physique ever been described as “doughy”?  Well, then you might have a Dad Bod, and the Madison Mallards (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) want to help you show it off.  Read more here.

No New Ballpark for Waukesha

Mindiola Park won’t serve as the home for a new summer collegiate baseball stadium and soccer complex.  Waukesha (WI) city officials acknowledged that a plan to use $12.8 million in public financing through future property tax dollars (TIF) to fund a multi-sport complex at the Hoover Avenue park simply does not have the support it needs to make it a reality.  Read more here.

 

It’s the ‘Traverse City Pit Spitters’

PRESS RELEASE – Have you seen a pit being spit? Have you tried to spit a pit? Have you succeeded in spitting a pit? We have done all of these and we liked it so much we’re naming the team in honor of this grand tradition. The Traverse City Pit Spitters are coming to town!

Traverse City Team Name and Logo to be Unveiled Jan. 29

Traverse City’s newest baseball team will reveal its mascot and logo in an event next Tuesday.  The unveiling — which is open to the public — will occur at the State Theatre on Jan. 29 at 11:30 a.m.  The final six names in contention are the Black Pearls, Dogmen, Dune Bears, Pit Spitters, Sasquatch and Tree Shakers.  Read more here.  View event notice here.

Loggers Refresh Logos for 2019 Season

PRESS RELEASE – The La Crosse Loggers unveiled today a new series of logos that will serve to refresh the organization’s brand, as well as further connect the team to the rich history of the logging industry at the site where Copeland Park and Events Center currently sits.

Border Cats Return with New Ownership

Bryan Graham, vice-president of the Thunder Bay Border Cats (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League), on Wednesday said the team’s new ownership group, a 22-member consortium, has signed an agreement with the league to return for a 17th season.  Read more here.

Stingers Unveil 10th Anniversary Logo

It’s hard to believe, but the Willmar Stingers (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this coming season.  Read more here.  Below is the team’s special 10th Season logo:

Traverse City Baseball Unveils Six Possible Names to Re-Brand the Franchise

Traverse City Baseball has announced six finalists for the “Name the Team Contest” ahead of its inaugural Northwood League (Summer Collegiate) season.  After receiving more than 3,000 submissions, the ownership is now inviting fans to choose their favorite.  The options are the following: Black Pearls, Dogmen, Dune Bears, Pit Spitters, Tree Shakers, and Sasquatch.  Read more and vote here.

Honkers Ownership Changes Hands

There will be no more long summer hours for Dan Litzinger and Kim Archer.  The couple, who have co-owner the Rochester Honkers (Summer Collegiate, Northwoods League) since 2003, have sold the franchise to Bases Loaded Entertainment, LLC.  The sale of the Honkers was approved by the league on Monday.  On Tuesday, the Rochester Park Board approved the transfer of the lease for Mayo Field.  Read more here.

It’s the ‘Green Bay Booyah’

PRESS RELEASE – What do you get when you combine local food, family pride, plenty of folklore, and rich, Northeastern Wisconsin tradition? Booyah! It’s official; the Northwoods League team that will begin play at Capital Credit Union Park in 2019 will be called the Green Bay Booyah!

Big Top Brings Soccer to Green Bay Too

PRESS RELEASE – Big Top Soccer has announced a new team in Green Bay, that will join USL League Two ahead of the 2019 season. The club will play its home games at the newly built Capital Credit Union Park in Ashwaubenon.

Will Locals Save BorderCats?

A week ago, Northwoods League (Summer Collegiate) Chairman and Co-Founder Dick Radatz, Jr. blasted the past and current ownership of the Thunder Bay BorderCats as a “malady of incompetency.”  Below is more of what Radatz had to say:

“Very frankly, we’ve had incompetent ownership up there for quite some time, and they have not run the franchise properly.  It’s severely under-performed, and it’s a shame that the people of Canada had to experience this incompetency, truthfully.”

The franchise has clearly been an embarrassment for the powerhouse circuit for years, as it’s attendance has continued to languish at or near the bottom despite operating in a market with a population of over 100,000.  A group of local investors is scrambling to raise funds to save the franchise before the league-decreed deadline and upcoming October league meetings in Madison (WI).  Read more here.

Confirmed: CornBelters to Become Summer Collegiate Franchise

Normal CornBelters (Independent Professional, Frontier League) team president Steve Malliet confirmed this week that the team is  — as expected — leaving the independent professional Frontier League and will be a part of a summer collegiate wood bat league for the 2019 season.  The Northwoods League, Prospect League and Great Lakes League have been mentioned.  Read more here.

Wuerfel Talks About Sale of Beach Bums, Switch to Northwoods League

John Wuerfel wasn’t going to sell to just anybody.  The Traverse City Beach Bums (Independent, Frontier League) co-owner — or now former co-owner — sold the franchise he and his wife Leslye helped nurture for the last 13 years.  Read more here.

Traverse City (MI) Joins Northwoods League, Re-Branding Contest Underway

PRESS RELEASE – Traverse City, Michigan – Exciting changes are coming to the Traverse City sports and entertainment landscape! Traverse City Baseball, a group of investors lead by the West Michigan Whitecaps, have purchased Wuerfel Park and will begin play as a Northwoods League affiliate in May of 2019.