Jackson Slaid’s teammate from the University of Montevallo will join Rafters in 2014
Wisconsin Rapids, WI- Friday, January 3rd. The Rafters have announced that they have partnered with the University of California and the University of Montevallo to bring players from both programs to Wisconsin Rapids next summer. Two-way talent Lucas Erceg (California) and outfielder Zack Willoughby (Montevallo) have both signed contracts for 2014.
IF/RHP-Lucas Erceg, 6’2”, 190 lbs (L/R) Freshman
Erceg will play his freshman season for the California Bears in the spring after being named the 2013 Central Coast Section Player of the Year after his senior season at Westmont High School in Campbell, California. An infielder and pitcher, Erceg had an outstanding senior season in which he batted .437 with eight doubles, one home run and 22 RBI. In addition, he carried a .523 on-base percentage while scoring 25 runs. On the mound he was 9-3 with a sparkling 0.59 ERA while amassing 106 strikeouts versus only 19 walks in 83.2 innings. He pitched six complete games, three shutouts, and limited opponents to a .180 batting average against him in 15 appearances on the mound. Erceg has the ability to run his fastball up into the low to mid 90’s.
OF-Zack Willoughby, 6’0”, 210 lbs (R/R) Junior
The Rafters have partnered with the University of Montevallo to bring a Falcons player to Wisconsin Rapids for a second straight season. After a record-setting summer from catcher Jackson Slaid in 2013, the Rafters will hope for similar production from junior outfielder Zack Willoughby next summer. Last season Willoughby was named second team All-Peach Belt Conference after appearing in 36 games for the Falcons and posting a .331 batting average with six home runs and 27 RBIs. His six home runs ranked him second on the team behind Slaid, in nearly half of the at bats due to an injury. He also finished his season with seven doubles and posted a .381 on-base percentage, a .543 slugging percentage and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Willoughby appeared in 40 games his freshman season with the Falcons, including 37 starts. He batted .297 with four home runs and 32 RBIs, while finishing with 14 extra-base hits, including eight doubles.
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 21st season of summer collegiate baseball, 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 115 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including MLB All-Stars Max Scherzer (DET), Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYY), Allen Craig (STL) and Ben Zobrist (TB). All league games are viewable live and free of charge via the Northwoods League YouTube channel. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.