Willmar Stingers fill coaching vacancies three more players signed
WILLMAR -- The Willmar Stingers have filled out their coaching staff with the hiring of two assistants, while also adding to the roster with three more players, it was announced on Monday.
The Stingers, a new baseball entrant in the Northwoods League, hired Tyler Shepple and Jesse Rodgers to assist field manager Matt Hollod this summer.
The Stingers also signed Mikey Reynolds, a freshman infielder at St. Mary's College; Wally Marciel, a junior pitcher at Kansas; and Jacob Barnes, a sophomore pitcher from Florida Gulf Coast.
The Stingers open the season at home on June 3 against the St. Cloud River Bats, the first of a five-game homestand. Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, who finished his career with the Minnesota Twins, will throw out the first pitch on opening day at Bill Taunton Stadium.
Shepple played for the University of Washington and was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers after his junior year. He played two seasons in the Brewers organization before a shoulder injury ended his career. Rodgers is in his second season as the infield and hitting coach at Mt. Hood Community College in Oregon.
The Stingers now have signed 15 players for the upcoming season and hope to have between 20-22 players signed by the start of the season. They have several other players signed, but are waiting for league approval.
The players on the team are staying with host families in the area this summer. Co-owner Ryan Voz said the team is still in need of host families. If interested, call 320-222-2010.
