The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are welcoming back UW Stevens-Point star Justin Jirschele for the 2011 Northwoods season. Jirschele played in 28 games in 2010 for the Rafters before suffering a shoulder injury that shut him down for the rest of the NWL season.

Jirschele, an infielder, is part of a family that is rich in baseball tradition. The UW Stevens-Point star is the younger brother of Jeremy Jirschele formerly of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. His older brother Jeremy was drafted in 2005 by the Kansas City Royals. Justin’s father will enter his 12th season as manager of the Omaha Royals (Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals).

Go to www.raftersbaseball.com to read the full story on Jirschele’s return to the Rafters.