The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters welcome a pair of pitchers Tanner Chafin and Nick Torres.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Chafin, a right-handed pitcher at Lagrange College, is entering his senior year. During his junior campaign, Chafin made 12 appearances, all out of the bullpen, posting 2.00 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 18 innings. Perhaps the most impressive feat of Chafin’s 2021 season was that he ended the season throwing 9 scoreless innings over his last five appearances. Rafters fans may remember Chafin for his unique throwing motion as he was the only pitcher that didn’t throw over the top.
“Playing in college has taught me to stay positive and in the moment in any situation throughout the game,” said Chafin. “I feel the fans of the Rafters do a great job in helping the players keep this mindset with their support. I am very excited to have the opportunity to perform in front of such a supportive fan base.”
Torres, is also entering his senior season at Long Island University. The right hander made 13 appearances out of the bullpen in 2021 totaling 18 strikeouts and a 4.60 ERA in 15.2 innings. Torres was used in a similar role in 2021 with the Rafters as he had a 4-1 record in 28.2 innings, all of which were in relief, with a 1.26 ERA and 27 strikeouts. Torres was previously one of the top pitchers out of high school in the state of Georgia.
“I played for the Rafters this past summer and enjoyed my time and the grind of playing nearly every day,” said Torres. “You need to enjoy baseball to play all these games, and it’s really a fun experience. I’m looking forward to coming back this year, and I’m hoping to make the All-Star Team, to support the team and fans at home this summer!”
Rafters ticket packages are on sale now! We have packages of four, nine, eighteen, or all thirty-six games with all-you-can-eat ballpark food. Buy now, enjoy later! The Rafters season and home opener is on Monday, May 30th at 6:35pm against the Green Bay Rockers. For questions, call 715-424-5400 or stop by the Rafthouse at 521 Lincoln Street, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.
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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 28th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, 270 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (LAD), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
