The Northwoods League Summer Baseball
College Baseball Players Get a Minor League Experience
Nov 18, 2008
Top NCAA college players from across the country play for one of the fourteen teams around the Northwoods League in order to get more at bats, or pitch more innings, hoping for that chance of playing at the next level.
From the big city of Madison, Wisconsin to the little town of Alexandria, Minnesota, the lights are on most nights at the local ballpark, showcasing the future talent of Major League Baseball.
Over 50 of these former college athletes are now playing in the Majors, with 300 more working their way through the Minor League system, according to Curt Carstensen, Director of Operations for the Northwoods League. Players including Curtis Granderson, Juan Pierre, and Jeremy Accardo have graduated from the Northwoods League.
Fathers and Sons in Baseball
Don't be surprised to see a former Big League player's son in the Northwoods League. Last summer Greg Vaughn's son Cory played in the outfield for the LaCrosse Loggers. Greg also spent some time as a member of the Loggers coaching staff. Cory was the League MVP during the All-Star Game held in July in Madison, Wisconsin.
Drew Saberhagen, son of Brett Saberhagen who was a two-time Cy Young winner (1985 and 1989), was finishing his fourth season as a pitcher with the Alexandria Beetles Baseball Team. In past summers, Brett would sign a short term contract as the first base coach for the Beetles when visiting his son during the summer season.
Minor League Baseball Experience
What these Northwoods League players receive is most like a Minor League Baseball internship. They play 68 games in 75 days. They ride the team coach bus and stay in hotels across the Midwest. From 1,000 fans in Thunder Bay, Ontario to over 7,000 fans in Madison, Wisconsin, each night offers something unique to baseball.
According to the Northwoods League 2008 Media Guide and Record Book, attendance around the League has grown from 70,000 in 1994 to over 850,000 in 2007. Recent partnerships with ESPN and FSN have allowed viewers from across the country to get a look at the Northwoods League.
The Entertainment Business
Moondogs, Honkers, Beetles, and Border Cats can be found at one of these Northwoods League ballparks. Each of the fourteen teams in the League run their operation like any Minor League Baseball team with as much entertainment as exciting baseball. Ballpark promotions include fantastic fireworks, bobblehead giveaways, and souvenir stands stocked full of fan favorites to bring home.
One of the unique concepts found at these Northwoods League ballparks is the private decks for walk-up fans or businesses to rent. For a little more than the usual ticket price, fans can enjoy unlimited ballpark food and beverages while watching the game. Several of these decks are more than one level, some are located in the outfield, others hang over the visitors dugout (helps the players develop thick skin!).
Enjoy a little baseball at one of these fourteen ballparks around the Northwoods League and maybe one of these college players will become another Major League Baseball legend of the game.
