COVID-19 has forced the cancellation of a month’s worth of NorthWoods League games already and three Wisconsin based teams (Madison Muskies, Eau Claire Express, Lake Shore Chinooks) have announced the end of their seasons.

But, the league still has some survivors.  Five Wisconsin based teams will open their seasons tonight.  The La Crosse Loggers will open their season against the Rockford Rivets in Rockford.  The Wisconsin Woodchucks open their season in Fond du Lac against the Dock Spiders.  And the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters begin play in Green Bay against the Booyah.

The Northwoods League is playing games in regional groups to support a safe return to baseball this summer. The Wisconsin/Illinois region will play from July 1-August 20, followed by a 2-day playoff.

The collegiate summer wood bats league is made up of 22 teams and is in its 27th season.

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

The season for this pod will last until August 20th, and will be capped with a two-day, pod playoff series.  The six teams, working in consultation with state and local officials, have developed a plan for safe operation in their respective locations, and the teams look forward to welcoming fans back.

To ensure the safety of all Fond du Lac Dock Spider fans, staff, and players, new guidelines have been established for Marian University’s Herr-Baker Field.  The guidelines include cleaning and social distancing protocols.  Capacity will be 25% of the normal stadium capacity and all family groups will be seated at least six feet away from other families/individuals.

With additional teams in the region still working through the possibility of opening later in July, this “pod” could expand before the season’s end.

Single game tickets for the abbreviated 2020 season will go on sale next week.

Opening Day NL Scores on 5/28/30

Madison 11, Kokomo 1
Waterloo 7, La Crosse 3
Wisconsin 10, Kenosha 5
Lake Shore 8, Battle Creek 3
Fond du Lac 5, Kalamazoo 4
Traverse City 2, Green Bay 1
Bismarck 15, Eau Claire 2

Wisconsin Rapids at Rockford ppd

The 2018 Major League First-Year Player Draft took a big dip into the Northwoods League this year.  According to league figures, a total of 163 current Northwoods League players and alumni were selected in this year’s draft.

The highest selection was Rico Hoerner, a junior shortstop from Stanford.  Hoerner was picked in the 1st round by the Chicago Cubs with the 24th overall pick.  Hoerner played for the Madison Mallards in 2016.

Of the 163 players drafted, 40 of them had played in the Northwoods League Major League Dreams Showcase.  The Major League Dreams Showcase brings together 100 of the Northwoods League’s top prospects to form four teams for a day of scouting workouts and double-header action.  Played in front of Major League scouts, the Showcase provides an invaluable platform for players looking to one day make it into the professional ranks.

The Rochester Honkers had a league high, 21 players drafted this year.  The highest pick for the Honkers came in the 9th round, when Nebraska outfielder Scott Schreiber (Kimberly, WI) was taken by the Houston Astros.

The Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros had the most selections of Northwoods League players as they each selected nine.  Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Seattle were next with seven NWL players selected each.

Madison is hosting the Major League Dreams Showcase today as 100 of the Northwoods League’s top prospects form four teams for a day of scouting workouts and double-header action.

The two games will be played in front of major league scouts.  The Showcase provides a platform for players looking to one day make it into the professional ranks.  The players are hand-selected by a panel of major league scouts, distinguishing the event from the more traditional All-Star Game format that features representatives from every team.

For the baseball fan, the Showcase provides a glimpse of the country’s elite collegiate baseball talent.

Double-header action starts at 4:05 p.m. today at The “Duck Pond” at Warner Park in Madison.