DICKINSON, ND – In just his first few games with the Badlands Big Sticks, recent Oak graduate Justin Flannery has already made his mark in the Northwoods Baseball Summer League, delivering one of the most thrilling moments of the summer on Wednesday, August 23 with a walk-off grand slam to earn Player of the Night for the second evening in a row.
Badlands Big Sticks Instagram Reel coverage - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMeo6N0MFpR/
Newest Member of Northwoods League Makes Statement
With the Big Sticks trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth and the bases loaded, Flannery stepped to the plate and launched a walk-off grand slam off of the first pitch, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and delivering Badlands their third walk-off win of the 2025 campaign. After the game, Justin reflected on the moment.
"It was surreal. I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid," he said. "It feels fun to live it out and the environment was fantastic. I had the support of my teammates behind me and there are no other words that can describe that feeling."
It was the second night in a row Flannery played the hero - he was named Player of the Night in both games, quickly establishing himself as one of the hottest bats in the league. Through five games with the Big Sticks, Flannery has totaled five hits in 16 at-bats, including a double and his walk-off home run. He's scored four runs, driven in eight RBIs, and added one walk, one hit-by-pitch, and a sacrifice fly. His contributions have helped the Big Sticks maintain an undefeated second-half home record, now sitting at a perfect 8-0.
A Legacy Built at Menlo
Before his summer breakout in the Northwoods League, Justin Flannery built an impressive legacy at Menlo College, where he played a vital role during the Oaks' inaugural season in the PacWest Conference. Flannery started all 50 games of the 2025 campaign and finished the season with a .344 batting average across 180 at-bats. He collected 62 hits, including 13 doubles, one triple, and six home runs. He drove in 36 runs, scored 42 times, and stole 11 bases, establishing himself as one of the most reliable all-around players in the conference.
His stellar play earned him recognition as the PacWest Player of the Week during the season and a spot on the PacWest All-Conference Third Team. His impact extended beyond the field, as he was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team, highlighting his excellence in the classroom. At Menlo's Athletic Banquet, Flannery was honored with the Senor Carlos Lopez Award, given to the top senior student-athlete, and the Collis Steere Academic Excellence Award, recognizing his dedication to both academics and athletics.
Whether leading the Oaks in their first season in a new conference or stepping into the spotlight in a summer league filled with top collegiate talent, Justin Flannery continues to rise to every occasion. As the Badlands Big Sticks prepare to host the Rochester Honkers for a two-game home series, Flannery's story is far from over - and fans across the country are starting to take notice.
