Dan Kasper

Eau Claire Express Heating Up at the Perfect Time as Playoff Race Intensifies

If you've been waiting for the right time to catch the Eau Claire Express at Carson Park, that time is now.

With just a dozen regular season games remaining, the Express find themselves in first place in the second-half standings and firmly in the hunt for a Northwoods League playoff berth. Even more impressive, they're playing some of their best baseball of the summer—and according to voice of the Express Pete Knutson, they may not have reached their full potential yet.

"We've won 15 of our last 18 games," Knutson said during an appearance on The Dan Kasper Show. "And the three losses during that stretch have all been by one run. This team really hasn't been out of a game in almost a month."

Pitching Leading the Way

While the Express offense has produced throughout the season, Knutson believes the biggest difference-maker has been on the mound.

"I'd have to say pitching," he said. "We've got the best pitching staff in the league right now."

The numbers certainly back it up.

The Express are on pace to break not only the franchise record for strikeouts in a season but potentially the Northwoods League record as well. Their pitchers have consistently attacked the strike zone, limiting free passes while piling up strikeouts against opposing hitters.

"Throwing strikes sounds simple," Knutson said, "but in this league, it's incredibly important."

That consistency has allowed Eau Claire to stay competitive every night, even when the offense isn't firing on all cylinders.

Team Chemistry Has Been a Huge Factor

Another key reason for the team's success? Stability.

Unlike many summer collegiate teams that see players depart throughout the season, the Express have managed to keep much of their roster intact.

"We've kept a lot of players this year," Knutson explained. "Most of the guys we've lost have been because of injuries, not because they've had to head home early."

That continuity has translated into strong chemistry, something that's shown up both on the field and in the standings.

Jake Bussin Chasing History

While pitching has stolen much of the spotlight, slugger Jake Bussin continues to put together a historic Express career.

Bussin enters the final stretch of the regular season tied with former Express standout Dalton Varsho atop the franchise's career home run list with 19. He also owns another unique record—being hit by pitches.

"I almost like that record as much as the home runs," Knutson joked, noting Bussin has been hit by nearly 50 pitches during his Express career.

Now, with the majority of the remaining games at Carson Park, Bussin hopes his record-breaking home run happens in front of the home crowd.

Home Sweet Home

After spending much of July on the road, the Express are finally back home for most of the remainder of the regular season.

Only two road games remain, giving Eau Claire a significant advantage as it tries to secure a playoff berth.

Having local players available and avoiding long road trips should only help as the postseason approaches.

"I think we're set up pretty well," Knutson said. "This is a really good baseball team."

A Potential Rivalry Playoff Series?

If the standings hold, the Express could be headed for a first-round playoff matchup against longtime rival La Crosse.

Not only would it be one of the league's best rivalries, but both teams currently own two of the best overall records in the Northwoods League—raising the possibility that the winner could enjoy home-field advantage throughout much of the postseason.

"It would be a heck of a series," Knutson said.

The Best Baseball May Still Be Ahead

Perhaps the most encouraging sign?

Despite their outstanding record, Knutson believes the Express still have another level they can reach.

"I don't think we've played our best baseball yet," he admitted. "There are times we're winning games by five runs and I'm thinking we could've won by even more."

That's a scary thought for the rest of the Northwoods League.

Time to Pack Carson Park

With playoff baseball within reach, packed crowds beginning to fill Carson Park, and one of the hottest teams in the league taking the field every night, there's plenty of excitement surrounding the Express.

As Knutson put it, "If you like good baseball, this is the time to come."

The regular season is winding down, but for the Eau Claire Express, the most exciting baseball of the summer may just be getting started.

by Dan Kasper

Eau Claire Express Building Momentum as Playoff Race Heats Up

The Eau Claire Express are playing some of their best baseball of the summer, and it's happening at exactly the right time.

Fresh off the Northwoods League All-Star break, the Express have put together an impressive winning streak, climbed to within striking distance of first place in the Great Plains East Division, and are beginning to look like a legitimate playoff contender as the second half of the season rolls on.

A Memorable Trip to the Field of Dreams

This year's Northwoods League All-Star Game provided a special experience for the Express organization.

Held at the iconic Field of Dreams complex in Dyersville, Iowa, the event featured six Eau Claire players—more than any other team in the league.

For first-year General Manager Jake Horan, it was also his first visit to the famous baseball destination.

"It was an incredible facility," Horan said. "You could tell they've invested a lot into it."

Not only did the Express have the largest All-Star representation, but the organization also earned praise from around the league for the talent on its roster. While Horan was quick to credit the coaching staff and players, it's clear the Express have assembled one of the league's deepest teams.

Winning at the Right Time

Coming out of the break, Eau Claire hasn't slowed down.

After sweeping Thunder Bay and picking up another victory over La Crosse, the Express find themselves just a half-game out of first place in the second-half standings.

With the Northwoods League's playoff format rewarding second-half success, every win becomes increasingly valuable.

"We just want to get in," Horan said. "Whether it's by winning the second half or earning one of the other playoff spots, that's the goal."

The team's balanced play has been a major reason for its success, and with meaningful baseball ahead, the timing couldn't be better.

Learning the Ropes in Year One

Although the wins have been exciting, Horan admits his first season as general manager has been a crash course in summer collegiate baseball.

"It's been a lot of learning," he said. "But I've had a great group around me. The interns have stepped up, and I've had a lot of support."

One pleasant surprise has been the support from the community.

Crowds of 1,400 to 1,800 fans have become common at Carson Park, creating one of the strongest home-field environments in the Northwoods League.

"It's been exciting to see those kinds of crowds consistently," Horan said.

Weather Has Been the Biggest Opponent

If there's one thing that has tested the Express this summer, it hasn't been another team—it's been Mother Nature.

Multiple rainouts have forced the organization to reshuffle its schedule, creating doubleheaders, early-morning makeup games, and constant communication with league officials.

"It's just part of the season," Horan explained. "You figure out the next opportunity to make games up and keep moving."

Those schedule changes can also create confusion for fans, especially when doubleheaders begin earlier than normal. It's just another behind-the-scenes challenge that comes with operating a summer collegiate baseball team.

Plenty of Promotions Still Ahead

The baseball has been entertaining, but the promotions continue to make Carson Park one of the best summer destinations in the Chippewa Valley.

Fans can look forward to:

• Princesses & Superheroes Night, encouraging kids and families to dress as their favorite characters.
• Tailgate Thursday, featuring pregame festivities near the Hank Aaron statue.
• Christmas in July, bringing holiday fun to the middle of baseball season.
• Teacher Appreciation Night, where teachers receive free admission.
• Cancer Survivor Night on July 28, one of the organization's most meaningful annual events.

Fans will also have the opportunity to sample the Express' custom Legends Light beer and check out new merchandise available throughout the remainder of the season.

Every Game Matters

One thing has become clear across the Northwoods League this season: there is very little separation between teams.

The first half came down to the final few games, and Horan expects the second half to be just as competitive.

"We could go into the final weekend still fighting for a playoff spot," he said. "That's what makes every game matter."

The challenge becomes even greater as August approaches, with college players beginning to return to campus and rosters constantly changing.

"It's just life in the Northwoods League," Horan said. "Just when you think your roster is set, you have a few guys leave."

Support the Express the Right Way

As excitement builds around the playoff race, the Express encourage fans to purchase tickets directly through the team's official website rather than third-party ticket marketplaces, which often charge significantly higher prices.

With competitive baseball, family-friendly promotions, and one of the best atmospheres in the Northwoods League, there's never been a better time to spend a summer evening at Carson Park.

As the calendar inches toward August, the Express have put themselves in position to make a postseason run. Now, the focus shifts to finishing what they've started—and giving Eau Claire fans plenty more meaningful baseball to cheer for.

by Dan Kasper

Six All-Stars, Team Chemistry, and Why the Eau Claire Express Are Built for a Second-Half Run

Summer baseball has a way of flying by.

It feels like Opening Day was just yesterday, yet somehow the Eau Claire Express are already into the second half of the Northwoods League season with the All-Star break upon us.

When Express President Craig Toycen joined me on the show this week, one thing became very clear: this team has all the ingredients to make another run.

Leading the League in All-Stars

The biggest headline? The Express are sending six players to the Northwoods League All-Star Game—the most of any team in the league.

That's a testament not only to the talent on the roster, but also to the consistency they've shown throughout the first half of the season.

For an organization that felt underrepresented in recent years, this is validation that the Express are once again becoming one of the premier programs in summer collegiate baseball.

It's More Than Just Talent

Talent wins games.

Chemistry wins championships.

Ask Toycen what has stood out most about this year's team, and he doesn't immediately mention batting averages or ERA.

He talks about the bus rides.

The road trips to Thunder Bay and North Dakota.

Players throwing footballs in the parking lot, playing hacky sack before games, laughing in the dugout, and simply enjoying being around one another.

That may seem like a small thing, but in baseball, it matters.

A team that genuinely enjoys playing together often finds ways to win the close games that separate good seasons from great ones.

The Grind of Summer Baseball

One thing fans don't always realize is just how challenging the Northwoods League schedule can be.

Rainouts create doubleheaders.

Doubleheaders create pitching challenges.

Pitch counts have to be carefully monitored.

A single bad inning can impact not only today's game but the next several days.

That's why roster depth is so important, especially on the mound.

The Express believe their pitching staff gives them a chance to compete every night, and if the offense continues to come through with timely hitting, they'll remain right in the hunt for a second-half playoff berth.

Carson Park Is Still One of Baseball's Hidden Gems

Sometimes we take special places for granted.

Craig shared a story about a professional scout visiting Carson Park recently.

The scout has traveled to ballparks all over the country, yet he couldn't stop talking about how unique Carson Park is.

From the historic grandstand...

To the Hank Aaron statue...

To the atmosphere that surrounds every game...

Carson Park continues to leave an impression on first-time visitors.

For those of us who see it all summer long, it's a good reminder to appreciate what we have.

Why Summer Baseball Matters

One of my favorite parts of our conversation wasn't about wins or losses.

It was about kids.

My son has already picked out his favorite Express players.

One helped him during a hitting clinic.

Another caught his attention simply by spinning his glove between innings.

That's all it takes.

Those little moments create lifelong memories.

After every game you'll find players signing autographs, talking with young fans, posing for pictures, and making kids feel like they're part of something bigger.

That's what summer baseball should be about.

The wins are great.

The All-Stars are exciting.

But creating the next generation of baseball fans—that's something even more valuable.

Looking Ahead

The schedule doesn't get any easier.

The Express will spend plenty of time on the road over the next couple of weeks while Carson Park hosts Eau Claire Fest, and roster changes are inevitable as players return to their colleges.

Still, the foundation appears to be in place.

Strong pitching.

A close-knit clubhouse.

League-leading All-Star representation.

And one of the best ballpark experiences anywhere in the Midwest.

If those pieces continue to come together, don't be surprised if the Eau Claire Express are playing some meaningful baseball deep into the second half of the season.

by Dan Kasper

Dale Varsho on the Express' Strong Start, CJ's Hot Bat, and the Changing Landscape of Summer Baseball

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.

by Dan Kasper

Eau Claire Express Settling In as Summer Season Heats Up

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.

by Dan Kasper