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Published On: December 9th, 2021

 

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.- Have a spare bedroom for a future big leaguer? Want to be a part of a young athletes journey to The Show? Every year, roughly 50 elite college baseball players come to Wisconsin Rapids from all over the country to better their baseball skills and showcase their talent in the Northwoods League. What most people don’t know is that there’s a way to get more involved with the organization and the players than just attending the games. The Rafters have a Host Family Program where members of the Greater Wisconsin Rapids community can step up and host players for the season.

Not only does hosting a player connect you with Rafters Baseball, it provides you with an opportunity to connect with young and aspiring athletes from around the United States. Hosting a player or players allows families to develop fun and strong connections with the Rafters and Northwoods League organization. Over the last ten years there have been over 70 former Rafters play professional baseball, most of which are currently still playing.

Hosting a player allows you to establish new connections with the athletes, their family, and potentially their future. Previous and current host families continue to keep in contact with the players they have hosted, including making cross country visits to see them play. Hosting can widen your perspective, allow you to meet others from around the country, and support aspiring baseball players while having a summer full of fun and baseball.

 

Additional benefits of hosting a Rafters player include:

-Each member of your immediate family will receive FREE Bleacher Season Tickets with the ability to upgrade at a discounted rate.

-Your family will receive a merchandise discount at the Rafters Team Shop.

-Your family will receive a FREE pass allowing entrance into all Northwoods League ballparks to watch the team on the road.

-The player serves as a positive role model for your children.

-You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the future of a young man.

-You may be getting to know a future Major League Baseball star.

-There is potential for the creation of a long-term friendship.

-Your family will receive a complimentary Daily Wave program insert each home game.

-Your family is invited to attend special Host Family Events throughout the year, including a Point Craft River party at one game during the season.

-An opportunity to become more involved with the community.

-Being a part of the Rafters Family and the benefits that come with.

If interested in hosting a player please fill out the form below.  For questions and additional information please contact General Manager, Andy Francis at andy@raftersbaseball.com. 

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The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 27th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 245 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Star Jordan Zimmermann (DET). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Rafters as your favorite team.

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  • By submitting this electronic application form, I hereby authorize the the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and Jo-Vin Baseball LLC to perform background checks of household members 18 years of age or older. I also certify the information provided is accurately listed and up to date.