Corn Dogs’ Best Shine at All-Star Game; Six-Game Homestand Starts July 25

By Jim Masters

The 2023 Northern League All-Star Game, played Tuesday (July 18) at Oil City Stadium in Whiting, Indiana, showcased the talent at the top of the Lake County Corn Dogs roster.

12 Corn Dogs were named to the East All-Star Team:

• Ranko Stevanovic – North Park College/Chicago, Ill.
• Kevin Hall – Grambling University/ Munster, Ind.
• Shane Jones – South Suburban College / Homewood, Ill.
• Hayden Matulich – Purdue University Northwest / San Jose, Calif. (out)
• Scott Hansen – Toledo University / Portage, Ind.
• Ethan Nielson – Indiana Tech / Rolling Prairie, Ind.
• Adam Walters – South Suburban College/ Schererville, Ind.
• Ryan Troxel – Indiana Tech / Valparaiso, Ind.
• Dylan Matusak – Heidelberg University / Crown Point, Ind.
• Sean Kasper – Purdue University Fort Wayne / Chesterton, Ind.
• Ivan Balboa – Ivy Tech / Hobart, Ind.
• Gavin Gallagher – Florida National / Kishwaukee College/ Hobart, Ind.)

Despite strong play from the Corn Dogs, who were joined on the East team by members of the Griffith Generals and Elkhart County Miracle, the West team prevailed 7-3.

Corn Dogs Manager Justin Huisman led the East team.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Huisman, the 2022 Northern League Manager of the Year. “There’s no pressure. You’re just trying to go out there and showcase yourself, the team and the league. It’s a lot of fun to come together for one night and see what you can do out there for the fans.”

The Corn Dogs, who went into the all-star break in first place with a 23-11 record, return to Oil City stadium this week for games on Thursday and Friday versus the NWI Oilmen. The Corn Dogs have a consecutive six-game stretch of home games beginning July 25.