Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.-The Rafters have announced that John Godwin, a star on the hit TV Series Duck Dynasty, will make an appearance at the July 5th Rafters game for Element Mobile Outdoorsman Night, when the team hosts the Kenosha Kingfish.  Gates to the July 5th game will open at 5:05 p.m. and the first pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m., on what is sure to be one of the most exciting promotions of the summer.  Godwin will be available to sign autographs early in the evening and will also throw out the first pitch prior to the game.

“This is sure to be one of the highlights of our 2014 promotional schedule,” said Rafters general manager John Fanta.  “Duck Dynasty has become one of the most popular television shows in the nation and, in partnership with Element Mobile, we are thrilled to bring a piece of the excitement to Wisconsin Rapids.”

John Godwin grew up hunting deer with his father, but once introduced to the world of waterfowl, he became captivated by duck calls. He placed 3rd as a teenager in his first calling contest after Phil Robertson "tuned up" his call to make it ready for competition (Phil happened to be one of the judges).

John has worked for Duck Commander since 2002. Some of his duties include building duck calls, managing supplies, and overseeing the shipping department. During the duck season, however, John's main title is decoy technician. He figures out the exact spots the decoys should be placed, and works on all equipment after the hunt to make sure it is ready to go for the next day’s hunt.

John said, "Working for Duck Commander has been a blessing. I am one of few full-time employees outside the family. I will definitely say that the Robertson’s are very giving and passionate people, and I have become family through Christ." John can be seen on “Duckmen 7-18,” as well as “The Art of Commanding Ducks,” “Best of the Duckmen,” and the popular television show A&E's Duck Dynasty.

Please stay tuned for a future announcement from the Rafters and Element Mobile on how to earn your very own Rosco P. Rafter Duck Dynasty themed bobblehead doll.

Group tickets are currently available at the Rafters ticket office or by calling 715-424-5400.  Single game tickets will go on sale beginning on Friday, April 25th at 9:00 a.m. Opening Day is slated for Tuesday, May 27th when the Rafters play host to the expansion Kenosha Kingfish at 7:05 p.m.

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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 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 Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (DET) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), 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.