(Pictured: Outfielder Doak Dozier. Photo courtesy University of Virginia Athletics)

Peters, Meola, and Dozier Added To Roster

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. – With an already strong core of returning players from last season, the Rafters have announced the addition of another in right-handed pitcher Jay Peters (UW-Milwaukee). Joining Peters will be Jon Meola and Doak Dozier from the defending NCAA National Champion Virginia Cavaliers. All three players have signed contracts to play in Wisconsin Rapids for the 2016 season.

“We are pleased to have Jay returning to the mound for us next summer,” said general manager John Fanta. “In addition, our partnership with Virginia will continue into 2016 with two highly touted players in Meola and Dozier. I look forward to watching them hone their skills at Witter Field this summer.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

RHP – Jay Peters, 6’5”, 195 lbs (R/R) Junior, UW Milwaukee
Following a successful conclusion to his career at Muscatine Community College, Jay Peters joined the Rafters rotation in late June and immediately became one of the leaders on the pitching staff. He finished the year with a 4-2 record, compiled a 3.44 ERA and notched 39 strikeouts in 31.1 innings. A homegrown product, Peters grew up in Randolph, Wisconsin and will play his Junior season for UW Milwaukee in the spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IF – Jon Meola, 6’0”, 200 lbs (R/R) Freshman, Virginia
Continuing the trend of Virginia Cavaliers spending their summers in Wisconsin Rapids, Jon Meola is part of a strong infield contingent for the 2016 season. Meola hit .405 during his senior season at Toms River East High School and was named Team MVP. Jon’s father Tony also attended the University of Virginia and starred on the soccer field. He was a two time All-American won the Hermann Trophy (soccer equivalent to the Heisman Trophy) in 1988. He was also the goalkeeper for the US National Team during three World Cups (1990, 1994, and 2002). He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012. Meola is a native of Toms River, New Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

OF – Doak Dozier, 6’1”, 185 lbs (L/R) Freshman, Virginia
Joining his teammate Meola will be outfielder Doak Dozier. A prep phenom in Texas, Dozier was named a 2014 Perfect Game All-American as well as 2015 First Team All-State and a Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star after hitting .475 and leading the state in stolen bases with 35 during his senior season. He was also named First-Team All-Region and ranked the 75th best high school prospect in the country in 2015. A four-year First Team All-District honoree Dozier holds a number of career records including career games (141), stolen bases (100) and runs scored (138) at Arlington Heights High School. No slouch in the classroom, Dozier was also a member of National Honor Society and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He is a native of Frisco, Texas.

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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 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2016, 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 140 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 (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.  For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.