(Pictured: Catcher Tyler Sanchez, St. John's University)

Battery Mates Sign To Play In Wisconsin Rapids

 Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.- The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are proud to announce the additions of two players from St. John’s University to its roster. Playing for the winningest coach in Big East Conference and St. John’s University history in Ed Blankmeyer, right handed pitcher Joey Graziano and catcher Tyler Sanchez have both signed contracts to play for the Rafters during the 2015 season.

RHP- Joey Graziano, 6’1”, 185 lbs (R/R) Junior, St. John’s
As a sophomore during the 2014 season Joey Graziano was a versatile member of the Red Storm pitching staff, making 18 total appearances including seven starts. He finished with a 2-3 record and tallied 26 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings pitched, while also being named to Big East All-Academic Team. During his freshman campaign, Graziano made 24 appearances out of the bullpen and finished 3-0, with three saves, and a bullpen-best 3.24 ERA. He also recorded two separate stretches of five consecutive scoreless appearances on his way to 15 total for the season. Graziano is a native of Berkeley Heights, NJ and is majoring in Marketing.

C- Tyler Sanchez, 6’3”, 215 lbs (R/R) Redshirt Junior, St. John’s
In his first season with the Red Storm, Tyler Sanchez appeared in 46 games including 43 starts at catcher. He had a .246 batting average with nine doubles and one home run while driving in 18 runs and also joined his teammate Graziano on the Big East All-Academic Team. Prior to joining St. John’s, Sanchez attended Hillsborough C.C. in Plant City, FL where he tallied six doubles, one triple, and one home run in 37 games played. Sanchez is a native of Port St. Lucie, FL and is majoring in Criminal Justice.

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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Allen Craig (BOS) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.