Fresh off their 2016 Summer Collegiate World Series Championship, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters followed that up in 2017 by winning a League-record 52 games. As part of this record-setting feat, the Rafters won 14 straight games from June 2 through June 16.
Wisconsin Rapids had two batters among the League leaders in average as Ryan Stekl (Canisius College) was second in the League in hitting at .364 and was followed by Bryson Stott (UNLV) at .352. On the mound, Jesse Slinger (Lock Haven University) went 8-1 with a 2.71 ERA over 63 innings pitched. His eight wins would lead the League. Dustin Woodcock (SIU – Edwardsville) was second in the League in RBI with 61 and Layne Henderson (Azusa Pacific) led the League with 18 saves.
Rafters Field Manager Craig Noto would climb the ranks of all-time regular season wins to 13th with a total of 161 and earn Manager of the Year honors. Rafters Pitching Coach John Halama, a 9-year MLB veteran pitcher, would also win his second consecutive Coach of the Year Award.
Did you Know?
- The Northwoods League adopted its current 72-game schedule in 2014 when the League expanded to 18 teams.
- Wisconsin Rapids Manager Craig Noto is 73 wins away from passing former La Crosse Loggers Manager, and current Director of Player Development for the Seattle Mariners, Andy McKay, for most regular season wins in NWL history.
A Message from Wisconsin Rapids Rafters General Manager, John Fanta
Visit our 25th Season Celebration page to read about other memorable moments previously released.
