Sandlin and Dykes sign with Wisconsin Rapids
Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.- The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are pleased to announce the additions of two players to the roster. Left-handed pitcher Austin Dykes (Georgia College) and outfielder Jake Sandlin (Georgia College) have signed contracts to play for the Rafters during the 2015 season. This is the first time the Rafters have partnered with Georgia College to bring players from their program to Wisconsin Rapids.
"Jake is a hard nosed, throwback baseball player. He shows up everyday to beat you in some way. He's talented and is a fierce competitor,” said Rafters manager Craig Noto. “His versatility & experience in the outfield and as a hitter will help give us some quality depth offensively and defensively. He will challenge the guys around him to play at a higher level with his energy level."
Noto added the following on left-handed pitcher Austin Dykes. “Austin is a winner. He will make pitches consistently and help equalize left handed hitters either out of the bullpen or as a starter. He comes from a great program at Georgia College and will bring some experience and leadership to this pitching staff."
OF- Jake Sandlin 5’10” 170 lbs (L/R) RS-Junior, Georgia College
Jake Sandlin is a three year starter at Georgia College who will be a big spark in the Rafters offense this upcoming season. Sandlin is off to a hot start this year leading the team with a .429 batting average, one double, and four runs scored through the teams first four games. In his sophomore campaign the left-handed hitter posted a .365 batting average with 6 home runs and 59 RBIs. As a freshman, Sandlin batted .311 with 9 home runs and 45 RBIs in his 42 starts. Jake will also provide a good burst of speed as he has accumulated 18 steals in his first two seasons with Georgia College. Sandlin earned four varsity letters while attending Greenbrier High School in Evans, Georgia and was also named All-Region twice. Sandlin is an Exercise Science major at Georgia College.
LHP- Austin Dykes 5’10” 200 lbs (L/L) Junior, Georgia College
Austin Dykes is another key left-handed pitcher to join the Rafters this upcoming season. The junior pitched last season at South Georgia State College where he made a team high 12 starts and compiled 43 strikeouts in 63 innings of work. Dykes is also a former all-state baseball player for Colquitt Country High School in Sylvester, Georgia. He cites Derek Jeter as his favorite athlete and is an Exercise Science major at Georgia College.
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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.
