(Pictured: Kyle Johnston, Photo Courtesy University of Texas Athletics)

Trio of Right-Handers Bring Power, Deception to Staff

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – With Opening Day just under one month away, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are putting the finishing touches on their roster for the 2015 season. Right-handed pitchers Zach Kolodziejski (Niagara), Kyle Johnston (Texas) and Brian Bass (Faulkner) have signed contracts to join the Rafters this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHP – Zach Kolodziejski 6’0” 190 lbs (R/R) Freshman, Niagara
Zach Kolodziejski has been the ace of the Niagara University staff this season. In his 9 appearances he’s started 8 games throwing a team leading 51 innings. His 33 strikeouts also lead the team, while his 3.71 ERA is best amongst their starting rotation. The righty attended Livonia High School where graduated in the 2014 class. His senior season, Kolodziejski led LHS to their first ever NYS Final Four as well as being selected the Livingston County Player of the Year, Class B Sectional MVP, NYS Section V Class B Player of the Year, and NYS Class B First Team All-State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHP – Kyle Johnston 6’0” 202 lbs (R/R) Freshman, Texas
Continuing the pipeline from the Longhorn program to Wisconsin Rapids, Kyle Johnston is one of the most decorated pitchers coming to the team this summer. The freshman from Flower Mound High School was named Dallas Morning News Player of the Year, Texas Sports Writer's Association Player of the Year, first team All-State and first team All-District during his senior season. This year for the Longhorns, Johnston has made 19 appearances and compiled 2.62 ERA. In his 24 innings pitched, he has struck out 23 batters while picking up his first collegiate save.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHP – Brian Bass 6’4” 200 lbs (R/R) Junior, Faulkner University
Brian Bass will add a unique look for opposing batters with his sidearm delivery this summer for the Rafters. This season at Faulkner, Bass is 2-1 with a 3.65 ERA. In his 24.2 innings of work, Bass has compiled 25 strikeouts while opponents hit .255 against him. As a sophomore at Orange Coast College, Bass went 1-0, with a 1.46 ERA.

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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.