The grind of a Northwoods League season is already in full swing.

Just a couple of weeks into the summer schedule, the Eau Claire Express are navigating long road trips, welcoming new players to the roster, and preparing for an important stretch of home games at Carson Park.

Express owner Craig Toycen joined The Dan Kasper Show Monday morning to discuss the team’s start to the season, upcoming promotions, and what fans can expect as the summer unfolds.

New Arrivals Providing a Boost

While the Express have spent much of the early season waiting for players to arrive following their collegiate seasons, the roster is finally starting to come together.

Toycen highlighted the arrival of Holland Brock from Montevallo, who has made an immediate impact.

“We’re starting to get some guys to show up, and that makes a big difference,” Toycen said. “The pitching has been really good so far. The hitting has been decent. We’ve just been missing some clutch hitting and extra-base hits, but those are things that can be fixed pretty easily.”

Despite sitting a couple of games under .500, the organization remains optimistic about what lies ahead as more players continue to join the club.

A Walk-Off Moment to Remember

One of the biggest highlights of the young season came last week when Matthew Mollick launched a dramatic walk-off grand slam at Carson Park.

For anyone familiar with the historic ballpark, the feat was especially impressive.

“Fly balls go to die in center field at Carson Park,” Toycen joked. “I can count on one hand the number of home runs I’ve seen hit to center field there.”

As the ball left Mollick’s bat, Toycen initially thought it would simply tie the game.

“Then I realized it had a chance to get out. It was one of the hardest-hit balls I’ve seen at Carson Park and one of the highlights of my time here.”

The Value of a Long Road Trip

While road trips can be challenging, Toycen believes the recent six-game stretch away from Eau Claire may pay dividends later in the season.

With players arriving from across the country, the extra time together helps build chemistry.

“There’s so much downtime in the Northwoods League,” Toycen said. “Whether it’s on the bus, at the hotel, or hanging around the ballpark, that’s where relationships are built.”

And yes, one surprising team-building activity has made a comeback.

“Hacky sack is huge again,” Toycen laughed.

Those bonding moments can be crucial during a long summer season.

“Baseball is as much a team chemistry sport as any sport out there.”

Celebrating Cancer Survivors Wednesday

The Express return home Wednesday night for one of the organization’s most meaningful events of the season: Cancer Survivors Night.

Presented in partnership with Mayo Clinic Health System, the evening recognizes local cancer survivors and their families.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way,” Toycen said. “It’s a brutal disease. It’s always special to celebrate those who have fought through it and come out the other side.”

The annual event has become one of the most emotional and impactful nights on the Express calendar.

Tailgate Thursday and Free Baseball Cards

Thursday brings the season’s first Tailgate Thursday at Carson Park.

Adding to the fun, members of a local card collecting club will be handing out free baseball cards to kids in attendance.

The conversation naturally turned to baseball card collecting, with Toycen reminiscing about collecting Roger Clemens and Ken Griffey Jr. cards growing up.

Like many fans of his generation, Griffey remains one of his all-time favorites.

“Every kid my age collected Ken Griffey Jr.,” Toycen said.

Big Homestand Could Be a Turning Point

After a quick trip to Duluth later this month, the Express will enjoy an extended stretch of home games.

That includes a rivalry series against the La Crosse Loggers and the always-popular Margaritaville Night at Carson Park.

Toycen believes the upcoming schedule presents a great opportunity for the Express to climb the standings.

“We’re poised to make a nice run here,” he said. “The off day is coming at a great time, and having a lot of games at Carson Park should help.”

The rivalry games against La Crosse could be especially important, with the Loggers currently sitting near the top of the division standings.

Social Media, Promotions, and Summer Fun

The Express continue to expand their social media presence with creative content produced by the team’s interns.

Fans have already seen everything from behind-the-scenes videos to Star Wars-themed content promoting the team’s upcoming Star Wars Night during Father’s Day weekend.

“We’re always looking for new ways to engage with fans,” Toycen said.

The organization also recently received new merchandise inventory, including hats, apparel, and game-worn jerseys available for purchase at the ballpark.

Looking Ahead

With more players arriving, a much-needed off day approaching, and a lengthy homestand on the horizon, the Express appear well-positioned for a strong stretch run heading into the heart of the summer.

And as always, Toycen encourages fans to secure tickets directly through the team’s website or by visiting the box office to avoid unnecessary third-party fees.

For baseball fans across the Chippewa Valley, the summer schedule is just getting started—and so is the Eau Claire Express season.