The Badlands Big Sticks are a collegiate summer baseball team that plays in the Northwoods League. Based in Dickinson, North Dakota, the Big Sticks play their home games at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark.
History The Big Sticks were founded in 2017 as a charter member of the Expedition League, beginning play in its inaugural 2018 season. The Big Sticks brand references 26th president of the United States Theodore Roosevelt's strong connection to the Badlands, developing his love for the Western outdoors there and inspiring his lifelong efforts towards conservation, becoming the namesake of the Badlands' Theodore Roosevelt National Park; the nickname references Roosevelt's famous quote, "Speak softly, and carry a big stick."
The Big Sticks enjoyed a solid run in the Expedition League, winning three division titles and the 2019 Expedition League Championship. Following the 2021 season, the Big Sticks joined six other teams in leaving the Expedition League to help form the new Independence League Baseball. While the Big Sticks continued to play solid baseball, they were unable to reach the heights of their early glory days in the ILB.
On October 10, 2023, the Big Sticks announced that they were joining the Northwoods League for the 2024 season.
Rivalries The Big Sticks compete with their in-state rivals the Bismarck Larks for the Railroad to Roosevelt Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the season series between the two teams.
In addition, they compete with their fellow in-state rivals the Minot Hot Tots for the Battle of the Badlands Trophy, also awarded to the winner of the season series between both teams.
Northwoods League All-Stars The following Big Sticks have been selected to either the Northwoods League mid-season All-Star Game and/or the full-season All-Star Team.
Player Position College Season Mid-season or full-season Kaden Carpenter OF Utah 2024 Both Tyler Conklin P Eastern Illinois 2024 Both Sam Nitzke P Angelina 2024 Mid-season Chayton Fischer C UT-Rio Grande Valley 2025 Mid-season Troy Berg INF Augustana 2025 Mid-season Connor Massimini OF East Texas Baptist 2025 Mid-season Ismael Quintero P Cal State Los Angeles 2025 Mid-season Kasen McCawley P UNC Pembroke 2025 Mid-season Chayton Fischer C UT-Rio Grande Valley 2026 Mid-season Jalen Evans INF Kansas State 2026 Mid-season
References
External links Badlands Big Sticks official site Northwoods League official site