Wisconsin Rapids, WI –  The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters added a pair of position players to their roster today by announcing the signings of outfielder Sean Godfrey (Ball State) and catcher Aaron Gretz (Ohio State).

“Godfrey is an exceptional talent that will add tremendous speed to our lineup and in the outfield,” said Rafters General Manager Liz Kern.  “Gretz will solidify our defense behind the plate and we look forward to watching him develop in Wisconsin Rapids this summer.”  

OF-Sean Godfrey, 6’2”, 175 lbs (R/R) Sophomore, Ball State [pictured]

Godfrey will join his Ball State teammate and 2011 Rafters MVP, Nestor Bautista, in Wisconsin Rapids this summer to patrol the outfield at Witter Field.  Thru 26 games this spring for the Cardinals, Godfrey carries a .262 batting average with 13 runs scored, six doubles, one home run, and 8 RBIs.  The speedster has been successful stealing 8 bases in 10 attempts this spring while carrying a .337 on-base percentage.

Godfrey is no stranger to summer baseball as he spent last summer playing for the Southern Maryland Nationals of the Cal Ripken League. He led his team with a .357 batting average in 39 games and tied for the league-lead in triples (3), ranked second in stolen bases (20) and fifth in hits (50).  His solid numbers led him to being ranked the ninth best prospect in the Cal Ripken League by Baseball America.  In addition, Godfrey was named to the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Team as a starter and collected two hits in the game.

As a freshman at Ball State, Godfrey played in 32 games, posting a .272 average, while compiling 28 hits and driving in 14 runs.  His play progressed once Mid-American Conference action began. In 16 starts, Godfrey recorded a .306 average, which ranked third on the team.

Godfrey recorded a .486 batting average with 7 home runs, 11 doubles, four triples, and scored 54 runs during his senior year at New Albany High School.  He also was successful stealing 26 bases, consequently being named the team’s Most Valuable Player.   Godfrey is a native of New Albany, Indiana.

C-Aaron Gretz, 6’0”, 200 lbs (L/R) Freshman, Ohio State

Gretz is currently in his first season at Ohio State after a stellar prep career at Apple Valley High School (MN).  As a true freshman, Gretz has appeared in 19 games (16 starts) for the Buckeyes and has posted a .200 batting average with two doubles and 9 RBIs.

A four-year letter-winner at Apple Valley, Gretz was a two-time honorable mention All-State honoree and two-time team captain.  As a senior he batted .322 with 19 RBIs, 13 runs scored, and a .459 on-base percentage.  Prior to that season he was named to the 2011 Preseason High School All-Region Second Team by Perfect Game USA.  

Gretz also had the opportunity to be a part of two National Championship teams in summer ball with the Ohio Warhawks where he posted a .485 batting average with 12 doubles and 45 RBIs during the 2011 summer.  The Ohio Warhawks are a top prep summer league team comprised of 18 and under players.  

Gretz has family ties to the game as his brother Nick played four years in the Colorado Rockies organization as well as a stint in independent ball for the Saint Paul Saints.  He is a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2012. Opening Day at historic Witter Field is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th at 7:05 pm against the La Crosse Loggers. Reserve your 2012 ticket packages today by calling 715-424-5400, or in person by stopping by the Rafters office at historic Witter Field.  The offseason office hours are Monday through Friday       from 9am-5pm.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.