Former Mallard Parr Named Semifinalist for 2013 Dick Howser Trophy
May 21st, 2013
Madison, WI – Justin Parr, a member of the 2010 and 2011 Mallards, recently concluded one of the most successful regular seasons in the 133-year history of the University of Illinois and was named a semifinalist for the 2013 Dick Howser Trophy, which is given to the top player in collegiate baseball
.
Parr’s 2013 regular season campaign included a second place finish in the nation in hitting and a 33-game hit streak that spanned from March 9th through May 12th.
Parr entered the last weekend of the regular season hitting .430 and was .001 points behind Bradley University’s Mike Tauchman for the NCAA lead. After going 2-for-12 in the Illini’s series against Minnesota this past weekend, Parr’s average dipped to .415 while Tauchman went 3-for-11 and finished the regular season at .427.
Parr’s 33-game hit streak was the second longest in the NCAA this season and included 17 multi-hit games.
His .415 mark proved instrumental for an Illini team that finished fifth in the Big Ten regular season standings with a 14-10 conference record. The Illini are currently 33-16 overall. Parr’s 85 hits ranks in the top 10 in the nation and his .484 on-base percentage, 125 total bases, 51 RBIs and 1.000 fielding percentage all rank first in the Big Ten.
His 2013 season was an improvement from an already accomplished career with the Illini. During his sophomore season in 2011, Parr won the Big Ten batting title by hitting a remarkable .411 in Big Ten play. That season, he was also named to the All-Big Ten Tournament team after hitting .429 (6-for-14) with a double, a pair of RBIs and three runs scored. Overall, he hit .317 on the year and had 32 RBIs.
During his junior season in 2012, Parr started all 53 games in left field and hit .290 with three home runs and 38 RBIs. He also stole seven bases and was named to the Third-Team All-Big Ten team.
Parr hit .296 with three home runs and 25 RBIs for the Mallards in 2011. He tallied 61 hits, which was good for second on the team, and led the team in doubles with 16.
Parr joined the 2010 Mallards team late in the summer and hit .256 (10-for-39) with four RBIs.
Parr’s older brother Josh also played for the Mallards in 2010 and hit .307 with one home run and 28 RBIs. His 21 stolen bases ranked second on the team. He was also named to the South Division All Star team that season. He was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 12th round of the 2011 MLB Draft from the University of Illinois
and spent the 2012 season with the Low-A Yakima Bears and Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks. He had four at-bats for the Diamondbacks this past spring training and notched a pair of hits.
The Mallards will host their season opener against the Eau Claire Express on May 29th at 7:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” Single-game tickets are on-sale now.
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
Tiffany Ogle To “Blend” Her Talents With Chinooks
May 15th, 2013
Grafton, WI – May 15, 2013, The Lakeshore Chinooks announced today that television personality, Tiffany Ogle will be their on-field host during the upcoming Northwoods League Season which begins with a road game on May 29th followed by the Home Opener on Thursday, May 30 at Kapco Park on the campus of Concordia. Ogle currently serves as the co-host on Today’s TMJ 4’s, “The Morning Blend”.
“Anyone who watches The Morning Blend knows I LOVE Baseball! So I couldn’t be more excited to be the new on-field host
with the Lakeshore Chinooks getting the community ’hooked’ on visiting Kapco Park!”
Tiffany came to Milwaukee back in November of 2009 and has served in her current role since then. Prior to coming to Milwaukee, the former Miss Minnesota worked in Minneapolis as a TV Host. She has also appeared in various television ads during her career.
“Tiffany will bring a great blend of professionalism, wit and humor to the Chinooks games this summer,” commented Vice President and General Manager, Dean Rennicke. “We are fortunate to add her to the mix of entertainment that fans will experience when they come to a Chinooks baseball game.”
Assisting Tiffany in some of her duties will be Tyra McFarland, currently a Broadcast Major at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and an intern with “The Morning Blend”.
The Lakeshore Chinooks begin their second season in Wisconsin Rapids on Wednesday, May 29th before returning home on Thursday, May 30th for a 6:35pm start at Kapco Park. The Opening Night festivities will be highlighted by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, throwing out the first pitch to Hall of Famer and Chinooks Minority Owner, Robin Yount. Bud Selig and Robin Yount forged a friendship that allowed Robin to play his entire professional career with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The pre-game will begin at 6:10pm and will also honor area first responders who serve their communities. Last season’s team award winners, Charlie Markson, Eric Aguilera, Joe Greenfield and Forrest Chadwick will also receive their awards as part of the pre-game ceremonies.
Season, Group and Single game tickets are available, simply visit www.lakeshorechinooks.com or call 262-618-4659 for more information.
Be sure to follow the Chinooks on Twitter @LS_Chinooks and follow Tiffany @TiffanyOgle. You can follow both the Lakeshore Chinooks & Tiffany Ogle on Facebook, as well.
Express Announce New ‘Superstitious Sunday’ Ticket Package
May 15th, 2013
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – May 14, 2013 – The Eau Claire Express organization knows that most baseball players, and fans, are superstitious. Due to this act that goes back centuries, the Express have created a special package that you just can’t beat.
Here is how it works: If a fan purchases our new ‘Superstition Sunday’ ticket package for $10, they will receive a general admission ticket ($6 value) to the closest Sunday home game and an Express promo hat ($15 value). If the Express win that Sunday game, that means you are our good luck charm and we want you back that next Sunday. The Express will then contact you to receive a FREE ticket to the very next Sunday home game.
If the Express lose any Sunday throughout the season, the ticket package has ended, no matter how long you have held the package for. Fans then have the opportunity to purchase the package again for $10 to try and cheer on the Express to another Sunday victory.
Packages can be purchased at the stadium during the season (especially on Sundays!), or anywhere tickets are sold.
Bullfrogs Baseball Returning to the Airwaves
May 15th, 2013
Frogville, Wis. – The Bullfrogs and 107.1 WOCO are excited to announce that all 70 games for the 2013 season will be broadcast live on the radio. All games will also be streamed live via the Internet on www.greenbaybullfrogs.com.
WOCO, based out of Oconto, Wis., will air the first over-the-air broadcasts for the Bullfrogs since the inaugural 2007 season. The previous five seasons have featured a solely online webcast.
“After being only online for a while, I am simply thrilled to have WOCO as the flagship station for Bullfrogs baseball for season seven here in Green Bay,” Bullfrogs Owner and President Jeff Royle said.
Outside of its sports broadcasts, WOCO features an easy-listening format. Its signal reaches the north side of Green Bay, and stretches throughout the entire Door Peninsula.
“This is a great opportunity for us to reach a broader audience in areas around Green Bay, while still maintaining our very devoted online listenership,” said Brandon Kinnard, the Bullfrogs’ director of broadcasting and media relations.
Kinnard, who plans to graduate from UW Oshkosh in the fall, said this deal represents a strong community service to Bullfrogs fans.
“Traditional radio has always been an important part of baseball culture,” Kinnard added. “I’m excited that we’ll be able to bring that aspect of the game to Bullfrogs fans all around Northeast Wisconsin.”
The first Bullfrogs game on WOCO will be the 2013 season opener, which is two weeks from today on May 29. The Bullfrogs will be in Wausau to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
Please call 920-497-7225 or log on to www.greenbaybullfrogs.com for more information.
The Bullfrogs are a part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America.
Bucks Announce Radio Deal with ESPN 1330 KWLO
May 14th, 2013
Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks, members of the Northwoods League, have announced that 1330 ESPN (KWLO-AM) and the Bucks have reached an agreement to broadcast all 70 regular season games in 2013.
In addition to the game broadcasts, 1330 ESPN 
will broadcast live from the Bucks’ annual pre-season Media Day, 5:00-6:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28.
Bill Wells, General Manager, Woodward Radio Group: “We’re very excited to form this partnership with the Waterloo Bucks! The Woodward Radio Group is dedicated to getting involved with the local community and there is nothing more local than Bucks Baseball. I look forward to a long and rewarding relationship. Go Bucks!”
Dan Corbin, General Manager, Waterloo Bucks: “The Bucks are thrilled to team up with KWLO to broadcast our entire schedule this summer. Listening to baseball games over the airwaves is a tradition, and now residents of the Cedar Valley will be able to tune into 1330 ESPN all summer long to listen to Bucks baseball, home and away.”
KWLO is owned by Woodward Communications, Inc., which also operates KXEL-AM, KOKZ-FM and KFMW-FM.
The Bucks will open the 2013 season at home versus the St. Cloud Rox on May 29. Season tickets, group outings, and single-game tickets are currently on sale. For more information, call the Bucks’ Ticket Line at (319) 232-5633. Fans are encouraged to stay in touch with the Bucks in the off-season by utilizing their website at www.waterloobucks.com.
La Crescent’s Traxler learns patience during redshirt season at Minnesota
May 13th, 2013
Troy Traxler is facing a huge challenge in his first season on the University of Minnesota baseball team.
It’s not learning to hit nasty sliders, block pitches in the dirt or call games.
The most difficult thing for Traxler has been not playing at all.
The La Crescent High School graduate is being redshirted as a freshman for the Gophers. Traxler practices every day, works out, and spends time with his teammates, but he can only sit and watch on game days.
“It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do because I am so competitive,” Traxler said. “To come up here and be on the baseball team and have to sit out an entire year, it’s tough. I wish I was out there. But it’s been a great learning experience, and I have matured a ton over the last year.”
Traxler, a catcher/outfielder, signed with the La Crosse Loggers last September and expects to be with the team when it opens the 2013 season May 29 at Battle Creek, Mich.
Obviously, he can’t wait to play in a real game for the first time in almost a year.
“I’m really looking forward to having fun and playing every day — just getting into a full baseball season,” Traxler said.
Traxler faced another major challenge even before he joined the Gophers and committed to the Loggers.
Late in the 2011 football season, Traxler suffered a torn labrum in his right (throwing) shoulder and had surgery that November.
Traxler was assured by the Gophers baseball coaches that they would honor his National Letter of Intent. He skipped hockey season to rehabilitate his shoulder and was ready to play baseball again by the Lancers’ 2012 season opener.
The only concession Traxler made to his injury was moving to second base for most of the high school season. He batted .357 with 10 RBI and 21 stolen bases and was catching again by the end of the American Legion season.
Now, the shoulder is as strong as ever. Traxler has been working in practice as a catcher, with some occasional time in the outfield.
“It’s absolutely 100 percent; it’s actually doing really good right now,” Traxler said. “It’s a huge sigh of relief. It definitely makes all the rehab worth it.”
Life as a redshirt freshman hasn’t been all bad. In addition to giving Traxler time to bring his shoulder back to full health, it has allowed him to get up to speed on the college game and develop friendships on the team.
“I’ve made all kinds of adjustments,” Traxler said. “Being from a smaller school, I was pretty raw. My talent carried me though, and now we focus so much on fundamentals and technique. There’s so much of baseball to learn that I never knew existed.”
Gophers junior outfielder Bobby Juan, a Central High School graduate who is preparing for his third summer with the Loggers, has helped Traxler make the transition to college baseball.
“I think he’s really taking it well,” Juan said. “He took his redshirt serious, trying to learn the college game and he’s taken a lot of steps to mature, learning from older players and getting tips here and there, and that will help him a lot going into his first collegiate season and with the Loggers.”
Traxler has been waiting a long time to play for the Loggers. His family bought season tickets for the team’s first season, 2003, and Traxler went to dozens of games growing up.
“My dad (Russ) and I went to a lot of the games the first year,” Traxler said. “We would go to the park all the time. I’d be bugging him all day to go to a Loggers game. I was one of the kids chasing after foul balls all the time.”
That fueled Traxler’s dream to play for the Loggers. He revealed it to his mother, Kristi, one day.
“She told me, ‘It’s not that easy. You’ve got to be pretty good,’” Traxler said.
Traxler was certainly good in high school. He took over as a starter as a freshman in 2009 and helped the Lancers win the Class AA state championship. Two more state appearances followed in his career, and he was All-State as a junior and senior.
The Loggers recognized Traxler’s talent and invited him to catch bullpen sessions in the summer after his freshman year. He showed up about a dozen times, when he didn’t have a Legion practice or game, to work with the team’s college pitchers.
“That was a great learning experience,” Traxler said. “It was the first time I got to be around Division I players. I learned a ton about what everybody’s going through to see what they do and the things they focus on.”
La Crescent baseball coach Rick Boyer, who managed the Loggers in 2006 and ’07, thinks Traxler will thrive in the daily grind of Northwoods League baseball.
“He’s going to improve tremendously as a player,” Boyer said. “I know Troy will be able to hit at that level and run and hopefully get an opportunity to catch. He’s going to compete and give all he has every day.”
Said Traxler: “It’s been a dream of mine to play for the Loggers. It’s a great opportunity to mature as a player, and I hope to do just that this summer.”
Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race Returns on June 8th
May 2nd, 2013Madison, WI – May 1, 2013. Madison Parks, the Madison Parks Foundation, the Madison Mallards and West Bend are teaming up once again to host the Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race. This year, the event will be at Goodman Pool with the rubber ducks racing down the two slides. This fun filled event will be on June 8th from 10:30 – 11:30 am. All proceeds will benefit the Goodman Pool scholarship fund.
You may purchase Rubber Ducks in advance at MallardsBaseball.com or on the day of the event. There will be a limited number of Rubber Ducks available so we encourage event-goers to get there as early as possible or to pre-purchase. All age groups are welcome to participate.
The grand prize for the winner of the Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race will be a party for 20 at the “Duck Pond” and the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Additional prizes will be awarded for 2nd and 3rd place.
“The proceeds from the Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race have provided over 200 children scholarships for swimming lessons at Goodman Pool,” says Kevin Briski, Madison Parks Superintendent. “Madison Parks and the Madison Parks Foundation thank the Mallards and West Bend for being partners in this event and supporting the scholarship fund.”
In addition to the Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race, Maynard G. Mallard will be on hand to greet fans and take pictures. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses, decorate their own duck to take home, and participate in many fun games before going into the pool area to watch the race. Concessions will be provided by Goodman Pool. Rubber Ducky ‘River’ Race event attendees may receive $1/off daily admission to the Goodman Pool Family Swim on Saturday, June 8. Please be sure to purchase a special entrance bracelet at the concession stand.
The Mallards will host their season opener against the Eau Claire Express on May 29th at 7:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” Single-game tickets are on-sale now! Contact the Mallards at 608-246-4277, visit MallardsBaseball.com or stop by our ticket office to purchase today.
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
Woodchucks & City of Wausau Announce Stadium Renovations
April 16th, 2013
The Wisconsin Woodchucks and the Macdonald Family, in partnership with the City of Wausau will announce plans today to renovate Athletic Park and develop a Neighborhood Park adjacent to the Stadium.
The renovation of Athletic Park, which is estimated to cost $2,700,000 dollars, will be paid for entirely with private funds. The renovation will feature premium seating in the bowl with four-top table seating at field level and drink rail seating on the concourse. There will be two new Luxury Suites that will accommodate 10 to 20 people and a new press box. In future years, additional phases of the renovation would include new bleachers, retail areas, concession stands on the first base line and new group outing decks. The renovated Athletic Park will be a valuable community asset with the ability to attract other events to the City of Wausau in addition to Northwoods League Baseball games.
At the same time, The City of Wausau and The Macdonald Family have agreed to development of a Neighborhood Park adjacent to the stadium. The Macdonald Family will donate two residential properties located along North 5th Street and $20,000 toward the development of the Neighborhood Park. The Neighborhood Park will be a positive addition to the Athletic Park neighborhood providing residents with a valuable community asset. It will contribute to the revitalization of the Athletic Park neighborhood.
The Woodchucks have selected The Samuels Group for the renovation of Athletic Park. The renovation of Athletic Park and development of the Neighborhood Park is projected to begin at the conclusion of the Wisconsin Woodchuck 2013 season with completion for the 2014 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers find prospect Paul Hoenecke’s hot bat in cold region
April 11th, 2013
Former Bullfrog having success in his second season
“They’ll change their mind in May.”
Hoenecke is from Wisconsin, playing four years for Wisconsin-Milwaukee before the Los Angeles Dodgers took him in the 24th round of the 2012 draft. He immediately made the Dodgers’ scouting department look good, leading the Arizona League with a .382 batting average.
The Loons had a second consecutive rainout Wednesday, ending a season-opening, seven-game homestand with a 2-3 record. The Loons begin a four-game series Thursday at the Dayton Dragons.
“Even compared to Arizona, I would prefer to be here,” Hoenecke said. “And it’s miserable weather here right now. But playing in Arizona was weird. There weren’t any fans. It was a beautiful facility, but it just didn’t feel the same as something like playing here.”Hoenecke played his high school baseball in Wisconsin (West Bend West), his college baseball in Wisconsin (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and his summer wood-bat baseball in Wisconsin (Green Bay Bullfrogs).
But he was ready to leave for Arizona when the Dodgers picked him.
“I was just grateful that someone picked me,” Hoenecke said. “I didn’t have a great senior season. I didn’t care how old I was or how old anyone was in Arizona. I wanted to show the Dodgers they made a good choice. It exceeded my expectations.”
Hoenecke, 21, was second in the Arizona League in on-base plus slugging (1.064) and third in total bases (107).
He also surprised the Dodgers with his versatility on defense. During his four years at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Hoenecke began as a third baseman, then moved to second as a sophomore. In his final two seasons, Hoenecke played both catcher and first base.
“The Dodgers had me at first base and outfield, but I started taking some grounders at third, fooling around,” Hoenecke said. “They liked my action around third and put me there.
“I prefer third base over first base and definitely over the outfield. At third base, you always have to be ready … it’s the hot corner. I enjoy playing both. Wherever they need me, that’s where I go.”
Hoenecke, a left-handed hitter, leads the Loons after five games with a .438 batting average, seven hits, three doubles and a homer. He also paces Great Lakes in total bases (13) and slugging (.813). He’s played two games at first and three at third.
“I don’t put any goals as far as numbers, but I do see myself as a .300 hitter,” Hoenecke said. “But you can’t get caught up in numbers. If at the end of the day, I have good, solid at-bats, the numbers will be there.”
Mallards Announce Addition of Zimbrick Honda Video Board
April 8th, 2013
Madison, WI – April 7, 2013. The Madison Mallards announced two improvements to the “Duck Pond” at their annual First Pitch event today at the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. The Zimbrick Honda Video Board and the TRICOR/West Bend Club Four-Top Tables will be new additions in 2013.
The Zimbrick Honda Video Board will replace the old video board in left center field. The new board will be four times larger than the old board and greatly improve the fan experience at the “Duck Pond.” The board will have a high resolution and will be visible for the entire stadium. Players stats, in-game replays, on-field promotions, and the in-game experience will be bigger and better than ever.
The second improvement will be the addition of the TRICOR/West Bend Club four-top tables. These tables, which will be located in the TRICOR/West Bend Club, will have refurbished rotating Camden Yards stadium seats and will seat four people. They are currently being sold as season tickets to local businesses. The tables include all-you-can-eat in the TRICOR/West Bend Club including a specialty food menu, private wait staff, and three draught beers per person.
The Mallards will host their season opener against the Eau Claire Express on May 29th at 7:05 pm at the “Duck Pond.” Single-game tickets will go on sale April 27th.
The Madison Mallards are part of the 16-team Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. In 2013, the Northwoods League will celebrate its 20th season.
