The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have hired a new manager for 2012.  Actually, he is a very familiar face to the organization.  The team announced today that it has named Jake Martin as the third manager in Rafters history. 

“I am excited to be the new manager for such a great organization and to be able to work with such great people,” Martin said in a statement.  “It’s also nice to be in a town that loves their baseball and the awesome support they give the Rafters.”

The younger brother of 2011 manager John Martin, Jake began the 2011 season as an assistant coach for the Rafters, working closely with the hitters and bullpen pitchers while also coaching first and third base at different times throughout the season.  Jake took over the reins for the final 18 games of the 2011 regular season and guided the team to a 7-11 record after John left the team, subsequently being named the head coach at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. 

Following the conclusion of the Rafters season, Jake joined his older brother John on the coaching staff at Coffeyville Community College, where they will lead the Red Ravens for the first time this spring.

“Jake’s energy and the respect he received from players was clear from the start in 2011.  After looking for our next manager, it was clear Jake was the guy we wanted to bring in,” said general manager Liz Kern.

Jake Martin played baseball at Barton County Community college during the 2004-2005 seasons.  From 2006-2008 he was responsible for maintaining a sports complex while also spending time coaching summer baseball. He then spent the 2008-2009 season at MidAmerica Nazarene University before transferring to Emporia State where he played from 2009-2011, culminating with a conference championship during his senior season with the team.  During the summer of 2010 Martin also coached the Emporia American Legion baseball team and led them to a 35-15 record.  He is a native of Shawnee, Kansas.