Dock Spiders Defeat Manitowoc, 8-1, in Season Preview
After a 2024 campaign where the Dock Spiders finished fifth in the Great Lakes West Division, a revamped strategy and roster has brought in hype and expectations for the 2025 Northwoods League season in Fond du Lac.
As a preview for the 2025 season, the Dock Spiders hosted Fan Fest presented by Horicon Bank in which the Dock Spiders took on the Manitowoc Bandits in an exhibition game. In a special throwback to the history of the Northwoods League in Wisconsin, the Manitowoc Bandits rebranded as the identity of the former charter Northwoods League team in the Manitowoc Skunks.
Despite a slow start to the game, the Dock Spiders won 8-1 while showing off their flashy speed by way of four stolen bases in the first five innings. With a foundation set, the Dock Spiders look to start the season fresh after already getting in game action.
“Now we’re game ready and we’re ready to go tomorrow,” said Dock Spiders Field Manager Douglas Coe. “We just need to start out quick – and I think that we are in a good spot to do that tomorrow in the Duck Pond.”
As for the 2025 campaign, the Dock Spiders have plenty of big names set to arrive in Fond du Lac in the coming weeks. However, the current Dock Spiders lineup set to start the season is full of talent and veteran Dock Spiders. Making their return to Fond du Lac for the opening week of the season is Miles Vandenheuvel, Kelsen Johnson, Ethan Cole, Austin Kutz, and Deuce Musial. These veterans will look to lead the charge for a young Dock Spiders team that is looking to make headway in 2025.
The Dock Spiders begin their season with four games against the Madison Mallards, including Opening Day at Madison on Monday (Memorial Day). Taking on the Mallards is a challenging way to start the year and will test the Dock Spiders roster as they look to start the season by ending an eight-game losing streak to Madison. Fond du Lac will open their home slate on Tuesday night at Herr-Baker Field at 6:35 p.m. with the season’s first Bang For Your Buck Night presented by Fond du Lac Credit Union with 107.1 The Bull, during which fans can enjoy hot dogs, 16 oz. Pepsi products, and 16 oz. domestic draft beers for $2 each. All fans through the gates will also receive a 2025 schedule magnet, courtesy of Fond du Lac Credit Union.
The Dock Spiders will begin the home portion of their ninth season of Northwoods League play on Tuesday, May 27 against the Madison Mallards at Herr-Baker Field. Information about ticket packages is currently available at dockspiders.com or by calling the ticket office at (920) 907-9833. Visit the Dock Spiders ballpark Box Office and Team Store during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit dockspiders.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Dock Spiders as your favorite team.