A Team Still Coming Together

Like many Northwoods League teams, the Express roster continues to evolve as college seasons wrap up around the country.

Varsho said the team is still waiting on a few players to arrive, including athletes from Ole Miss, Cal Poly, and Stanford. Within the next week, he expects the roster to be at full strength.

That added depth is critical during a grueling summer schedule.

“We’ve already put in about 20 hours on the bus,” Varsho said. “The travel helps with team bonding, but it’s nice when you finally get everybody here.”

CJ Varsho Making the Most of His Opportunity

One of the early stories of the season has been the play of CJ Varsho.

Entering the week hitting around .500, CJ has become one of the league’s toughest outs. According to Dale, the numbers tell the story.

In roughly 50 at-bats, CJ has walked 10 times, struck out only four times, and has led the league in on-base percentage.

But beyond the statistics, it’s his approach that stands out.

“He doesn’t get nervous,” Varsho said. “Nothing phases him.”

Growing up around the game has helped. Varsho described CJ as someone who simply puts the ball in play, barrels baseballs consistently, and serves as a calming influence for younger teammates who may not be accustomed to playing in front of large crowds.

“He’s just a smart baseball player,” Varsho said. “He’s fun to be around and he’s a great teammate.”

The Importance of Team Chemistry

As talented as the roster may be, Varsho believes team chemistry remains the biggest factor in determining success.

“I think bonding is the most important thing,” he said.

Whether the team wins or loses, creating an environment where players enjoy being around each other is a major priority. That includes interactions with fans, especially younger kids who attend games at Carson Park.

“It doesn’t matter if you go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts,” Varsho said. “The kids still want your autograph.”

That community connection has long been a cornerstone of the Express organization.

New Dugouts Bring a Big-League Feel

One noticeable change at Carson Park this season is the completion of the new dugouts.

Varsho couldn’t say enough about the upgrade.

“The City of Eau Claire did a bang-up job,” he said.

The expanded space now allows the entire team to be together in the dugout rather than having pitchers spread out near the bullpen. The result is better communication, improved safety, and what Varsho described as a true “big-league feel.”

Navigating the Transfer Portal Era

Like every level of college athletics, summer baseball is feeling the effects of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities.

Varsho estimated the Express currently have around a dozen players exploring transfer opportunities.

“It’s almost like free agency now,” he said.

The challenge for summer league coaches is balancing player development with roster stability. A player may use the Northwoods League as an opportunity to gain exposure before moving to another program.

Varsho embraces helping players find better opportunities but hopes they remain committed to their summer teams as well.

“I have no problem helping players get seen,” he said. “But it’d be nice if they stay here too.”

The Northwoods League Continues to Grow

The Northwoods League has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, and another major step forward is coming with the addition of a team at Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa.

The iconic site will also host the league’s All-Star Game.

For Varsho, it’s the perfect location.

“If we can swing it, that’s where the All-Star Game should be every year,” he said.

The opportunity for players to compete at a venue connected to one of baseball’s most beloved movies is something he believes will be special for everyone involved.

Express Players Giving Back

The Express continue to host youth clinics throughout the summer, giving young baseball players an opportunity to learn directly from current players.

The clinics benefit both sides.

Local kids get instruction and interaction with players they watch throughout the summer, while Express athletes have a chance to earn extra spending money during their stay in Eau Claire.

“It’s a great thing for kids in the area,” Varsho said.

Jacob Misiorowski Fever Is Real

Like much of Wisconsin, Varsho has been paying close attention to Brewers rookie sensation Jacob Misiorowski.

The flamethrowing right-hander’s triple-digit fastball has become must-watch baseball, but Varsho also offered a word of caution for young pitchers trying to emulate him.

Not everyone can throw 103 or 104 miles per hour.

“He’s a freak of nature,” Varsho said.

Comparing Misiorowski to legends like Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, Varsho noted that players of that caliber are exceptionally rare. He also pointed to the growing number of arm injuries among young pitchers, emphasizing that velocity should never come at the expense of health.

Still, like everyone else, he’s enjoying the show.

“You have to watch it,” Varsho said. “He’s just remarkable.”

Looking Ahead

The Express continue a busy stretch of the schedule with key matchups against La Crosse, Wausau, and Duluth before returning home for Father’s Day weekend.

While it’s still early in the season, Varsho likes the foundation his team is building.

The roster is nearly complete, the chemistry is growing, and Carson Park remains one of the best places in Wisconsin to spend a summer evening watching baseball.

For the Express, the long summer grind is just getting started.