Amateur baseball: Willmar Rails have a fresh look
May 12—WILLMAR — The are back in Class B and have one of their best pitchers back from Tommy John surgery. New manager Gunnar Banks is excited about the possibilities for the Willmar amateur baseball team in 2026. "I think it's like a rebuild," said Banks, a 2019 Willmar High School graduate and long-time player for the Rails who takes over the managerial duties from Dustin Overcash.
"Dustin ...
May 12—WILLMAR — The are back in Class B and have one of their best pitchers back from Tommy John surgery. New manager Gunnar Banks is excited about the possibilities for the Willmar amateur baseball team in 2026. "I think it's like a rebuild," said Banks, a 2019 Willmar High School graduate and long-time player for the Rails who takes over the managerial duties from Dustin Overcash.
"Dustin ran it for eight years, so it's going to be a little different," Banks said of the former manager, who announced his resignation before the beginning of last season. One big difference from last season: Christian Lessman is back. The 24-year-old right-hander missed 2025 because of Tommy John surgery.
When he's right, he's one of the top pitchers in the Corn Belt League. Banks is hoping for a return to form from the former St. Cloud State player.