All Aboard! The Eau Claire Express Podcast

The Eau Claire Express had one of their most memorable seasons in recent years, finishing with the best record in the Northwoods League and making a deep playoff run. Craig Toycen joins the podcast to look back at the incredible summer, including the dramatic playoff series against La Crosse, the team's record-setting pitching staff, standout performances from players, and the unforgettable moments at Carson Park. Toycen also talks about the incredible fan support throughout the playoffs, the upcoming improvements to historic Carson Park, the growing presence of local baseball talent, and the addition of the Dyersville Dreamers to the Northwoods League. Plus, what's next for the Express? Toycen discusses the offseason, the team's plans for next season, and why the disappointment of falling short of a championship is already providing motivation for 2027. It was a special summer for the Eau Claire Express—and this episode takes a look back at what made it so memorable.

The Eau Claire Express are one of the hottest teams in the Northwoods League, and the stretch run is here. Voice of the Express Pete Knutson joins the show to break down what's fueling the team's success, from record-setting pitching to a clubhouse that's stayed together all summer. We also discuss Jake Bussin's chase of the franchise home run record, the playoff picture, why Carson Park could be hosting postseason baseball, and why now is the time to come out and watch one of the best teams in the league. Alternate Title Ideas: The Express Are Rolling: Inside Eau Claire's Championship Push Can the Express Finish the Job? Pete Knutson Talks Playoff Baseball Record-Setting Pitching & First Place Dreams Why the Eau Claire Express Are Peaking at the Perfect Time Playoff Baseball Is Within Reach for the Eau Claire Express

Craig Toycen of the Eau Claire Express joins the show to break down a packed day at Carson Park, including a doubleheader against Wausau, All-Star selections, and what it means for the Express to lead the Northwoods League in All-Star representation. We also dig into: The challenges of rain delays and doubleheaders Pitching strategy and workload management in the Northwoods League The importance of team chemistry during a long summer season A look ahead to the second half push and upcoming road stretch What makes Carson Park one of the best baseball atmospheres in the country Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Northwoods League, host families, and what players do during the All-Star break.

The Eau Claire Express are settling into another busy Northwoods League season, and while the summer schedule has already featured plenty of miles on the bus, manager Dale Varsho likes what he's seeing from his club. Joining The Dan Kasper Show this week, Varsho discussed everything from roster construction and player development to the emergence of his son CJ, the growth of the Northwoods League, and why baseball's latest sensation, Jacob Misiorowski, has everyone talking.

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.

The first week of the Northwoods League season is officially in the books, and while the record may not tell the full story, there's plenty of optimism surrounding the Eau Claire Express. During this week's Express update, broadcaster Pete Knutson joined the show to discuss the team's strong pitching, the arrival of key players, improvements at Carson Park, and what fans can expect as the season unfolds.

The countdown is officially on for another summer of baseball at Carson Park as the Eau Claire Express prepare to open their 21st season. For owner Craig Toycen, the excitement is building quickly — even if the Wisconsin weather hasn’t quite caught up yet. With Opening Day just days away, the Express organization is entering the season with plenty of momentum. From upgraded dugouts and new staff members to expanded community involvement and exciting promotions, there’s a lot happening around Carson Park this summer.  

The Eau Claire Express are gearing up for an exciting season, and it starts with new leadership. Owner Craig Toycen and newly named General Manager Jake Horan join the show to talk about Horan’s baseball journey, returning to his hometown, and plans to elevate the fan experience. From upgraded dugouts and expanded entertainment to All-Star dreams at the Field of Dreams, the future of Express baseball is bright—and deeply rooted in tradition. #EauClaireExpress #NorthwoodsLeague #BaseballSeason #CarsonPark #SportsTalk #WisconsinSports #SummerBaseball #FanExperience #PlayBall #ChippewaValley #SportsPodcast

The Eau Claire Express season is officially in the books, but the 20th season was full of eventful items like: A new logo, a new video board, and 700 wins! GM Sammi joins us to break it all down and to look back on an eventful season!

Can you believe we are in the final week of the regular season already?! The Express are still hunting for a playoff spot, but they need to win and hope for some help. GM Sammi joins us to discuss that and the final promotions coming up for the last home stretch of regular season games at Carson Park for this season!  

The Eau Claire Express are coming off of a sweep against LaCrosse and are chasing Duluth for first place in the division.  Pete Knutson joins us again to discuss the Express's winning streak and what they need to do in the coming days (and a little help they may need) to get that second half championship. 

As we get closer to the all-star break, Eau Claire Express broadcaster Pete Knutson hops on to give us a deep dive into some of the players and how now is an opportunity for the Express to stack up some wins and potentially win the second half! 

The Express finish up a long, and successful road trip and will now be back at Carson Park for a big stretch of games before the All-Star break! GM Sammi is back with us to recap and preview what's coming up for all things Eau Claire Express! 

General manager Sammi joins Dan in this latest episode as they discuss the long road trip the Express are currently on, how this road trip could help the team, upcoming promotions, and Dan's sons epic birthday party at the Express game!

General Manager Sammi is back with us as the team is currently in Thunder Bay for a series.  We're recapping and previewing the latest for the Eau Claire Express, including more players joining the club, Kids TV Takeover promos, and more!

Owner Craig Toycen joins the show to discuss the first week of the season, home games galore, the offense putting up some big numbers, some more incoming players, and more! 

The 2025 Eau Claire Express season is officially underway! General Manager Sammi is back recapping Opening Day and looking ahead to the rest of the first week of the season!

With the season opener less than a week away, GM Sammi joins Dan to discuss the current team, upcoming promotions, the new video board, new logo and swag, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2025 Eau Claire Express eason! 

Eau Claire Express owner Craig Toycen and general manager Sammi Costello join Dan Kasper to discuss the latest big project the Express recently announced: A new video board is coming to Carson Park! Plus with Opening Day just a couple of months away, the trio discuss how the team is shaping up, the need for host families, and more! 

Dan and Sammi are back with another episode of the podcast and we need your help Express fans! We need host families for the players this summer! Sammi explains more and how you can become a host family. Plus, if you're looking for a summer gig, what's better than hanging out at the ballpark in the summer? NOTHING! Apply now and join the team!  

We're into 2025 and we've got some big Eau Claire Express news! New schedule...and a new logo! Craig and Sammi join Dan to discuss the new schedule and new logo! 

It's another season in the books for the Eau Claire Express as they fell just a bit short of punching their ticket to the postseason.  But what a season it was, especially these last couple of weeks! Owner Craig Toycen joins the podcast to recap an eventful season and a quick look at what the next couple of months look like!

We are into the final week of the regular season the Eau Claire Express are currently tied for first place in the division with a big road trip on the way.  GM Sammi joins us to recap the hot streak the Express are on and to look ahead to a pivital week for the Express. 

The Express had a FANTASTIC weekend and have put themselves in a great position to win the second half division championship and clinch a playoff spot.  Owner Craig Toycen joins us to recap the weekend, look ahead to the final couple of weeks, and all the grand slams the Express have been hitting! 

It's all-star break time in the Northwoods League so it's a perfect time to catch up with the skipper, Dale Varsho!  We're chatting about pitching, home run power, and the final push to win the second half division. 

Broadcaster Pete Knutson is back with us as the Express look to get on a hot streak before the Northwoods League All-Star break. 

Manager Dale Varsho joins the podcast to recap the first half of the season and we take a look ahead to the second half of the season.  Plus discussions on how much college baseball has changed, changes to Carson Park, and more!

Can you believe we are approaching the end of the first half of the season? The season is flying by! Owner Craig Toycen joins us to chat about the season, the upcoming promotions, and the status of some of the players1 

Eau Claire Express broadcaster Pete Knutson joins the podcast to discuss his career, transitioning to the tv booth, a look at how the team has played thus far and what's to come!

The Eau Claire Express are a few weeks into the season and owner Craig Toycen joins the podcast to discuss what he's seen from the team thus far, who's still coming to the team, and how the rest of the Northwoods League has looked!

The Eau Claire Express season is just a little over a week in already! GM Sammi joins us to discuss how the first week has been going, are personalities starting to show with the players, bullpen conversations, a home stretch of games coming up, and more! 

The Eau Claire Express season is officially underway and the Express opened up the season with a win at Carson Park against the Madison Mallards! Owner Craig Toycen joins us to discuss the start of the season, what he's really excited about this year, and maybe a fun rivalry brewing between the Express and Mallards! 

Welcome to the 2024 Eau Claire Express Season! Opening Day is just around the corner so GM Sammi and Dan hop back on for another season of "All Aboard! The Eau Claire Express Podcast"! Sammi previews some of the new and exciting things coming to Express games this season including an AWESOME new feature by left field! 

It's Opening Day in Major League Baseball, so let's catch up with our favorite local baseball team, the Eau Claire Express! GM Sammi joins Dan to give us an update on what the Express have been doing to get ready for their upcoming season, some players who will be joining the squad, promotions, and more!

The 2024 Eau Claire Express schedule is here and with some new teams! Owner Craig and GM Sammi join Dan to breakdown the schedule, chat about the new teams they will play, and some other items to look forward to this upcoming season!

Owner Craig Toycen and GM Sammi catch-up with Dan on what's been going on with the Express, the Northwoods League, and give us some teases on what's coming down the wire for the Express!

We wrap-up the Eau Claire Express season with GM Sammi. 

The Eau Claire Express were eliminated from the postseason by their rivals the La Crosse Loggers. But, it was still a successful, memorable, and fun season! Owner Craig Toycen joins us to recap and reflect on this past season. 

Former major league player and coach Tom Poquette joins the podcast to talk about his career of playing and coaching ahead of Tom Poquette bobble head night! 

The final week of the regular season for the Eau Claire Express is here! The Express wrap up the week with games against La Crosse and Willmar, then it's the postseason! Manager Dale Varsho joins the podcast to discuss his team as they wrap up the regular season and prepare for the postseason. 

The Eau Claire Express are on their All-Star break so GM Sammi calls in and gives us the lowdown on what's all going on! She also breaks down how you can place your bids for the retro jerseys and details the playoff tickets!

There is less than a month left of the regular season for the Eau Claire Express! But, we know the Express are going to the playoffs because they clinched the first half division championship.  GM Sammi joins the podcast to discuss all the latest surrounding the team and previews some upcoming promotions!

The first half of the season is quickly coming to an end and the Express are in a fight for the first half division championship.  GM Sammi joins Dan to discuss the playoff hunt and all the latest going ons with the Express!

It's been a grind with a lot of traveling and players still coming to the team, but the Express will be playing the majority of their games at the friendly confines of Carson Park soon.  Owner Craig Toycen stopped by for the latest episode of the podcast!

The Eau Claire Express are wrapping up their western road trip with games against Bismark and Minot. They return home for two games against Duluth before hitting the road again.  GM Sammi joins Dan to discuss the latest surrounding the Eau Claire Express!

History was made for the Eau Claire Express! The first cycle in Express history and manager Dale Varsho and pitching coach Vic Cable notched their 600th win.  Manager Varsho joined the podcast to discuss all that and more! 

The 2023 Eau Claire Express season is officially underway!  Owner Craig Toycen joins us to discuss opening night and the rest of the week plus early thoughts on the makeup of the team!

Opening Day is almost here for the Eau Claire Express! GM Sammi joins Dan to preview Opening Day at Carson Park and the upcoming week!

Craig and Sammi join Dan on this latest episode of the podcast to discuss the upcoming ticket sales and an AWESOME reveal and promotion from Craig and Sammi!

Express GM Sammi Costello joins Dan to go over all the exciting promotions that are coming to the Express games this summer!