(Pictured from left: Rosco P. Rafter, GM John Fanta, Owner Vern Stenman, Mike Jirchele, Mayor Zack Vruwink, Justin Jirschele)

2015 Northwoods League All-Star Game Logo Unveiled

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.- With just 133 days before opening day of the 2015 season, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters hosted over 300 fans at the 2nd Annual Winter Hot Stove Rendezvous event at the Hotel Mead and Conference Center.

The program featured Rafters President and Owner Vern Stenman discussing improvements coming to Witter Field, General Manager John Fanta introducing three new players that have signed contracts to play the 2015 season, and local high school baseball coaches previewing their upcoming seasons.

The guest speakers for the event were Mike and Justin Jirschele.  Justin played for the Rafters in 2010 and 2011 and is the first former Rafters player to reach the AAA level of professional baseball, splitting his season between the Class A Advanced Winston-Salem Dash and the Triple A Charlotte Knights, affiliates of the Chicago White Sox. Justin’s father Mike has been in professional baseball over 35 years, and in 2014 spent his first at the major league level as the third base coach for the Kansas City Royals. The Royals went on the reach their first World Series since 1985, coming up one game short against the San Francisco Giants.

The highlight of the night came when Rafters GM John Fanta unveiled the logo to accompany the Northwoods League All-Star Game, which will return to Wisconsin Rapids after playing host to the event in 2011. As was the case in 2011, Rafters season ticket package holders will receive first rights to purchase tickets for the 2015 All-Star Game prior to single game tickets going on sale to the general public. Full-Season Home Plate Club, Full-Season Solarus Founders Club, and Full-Season Bleacher ticket holders will receive first priority for All-Star Game seating. All remaining partial ticket package holders will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis through the exclusive purchasing window, which will end on February 20th.  

Included in each All-Star Game ticket price is admission to three events that will be highlighted on Tuesday, July 21st—Fan Fest (4 pm), Home Run Derby (5 pm) and All-Star Game (7:05 pm). All season ticket package holders will receive exclusive access to the Fan Fest, which will be held prior to the Home Run Derby and will feature early entrance to the ballpark and a private autograph session with the Northwoods League All-Star players.

All-Star Game tickets for package holders will include all customary benefits in the price for each offering. Pricing is as follows:

Home Plate Club 4-Top Table – $116/table
Solarus Founders Club Seat – $22/person
9 Game Package Seat – $14/person
Full-Season Bleacher Seat – $8/person

All groups that would like to purchase tickets to the All-Star Game can call 715-424-5400 to book their outing beginning Tuesday, January 13th.