Golden State Trio Sign with the Rafters for 2022

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Welcome the California trio of pitchers Preston Howey, Cooper
Robinson, and Nathan Hemmerling.
Howey is entering his sophomore season at Saint Mary’s College of California.  He struck out 17
batters while only walking 5 over 15.2 innings during his freshman season.  During his high
school career, Howey went 13-1 while fanning 86 batters with a 0.75 ERA.
“I’m most excited to go to a new state and share the field with the most talented players from
various colleges,” said Howey. “The Northwoods League is a great league, and even though the
competition is tough, it always makes for a good game for the players and fans.  I’m excited to
play for the Rafters and see what I can do this upcoming summer.”

Cooper Robinson is currently a freshman at UC Irvine.  He put together an impressive high
school career as he was rated as a top 500 prospect in the nation by Perfect Game, including
being ranked as the 52 nd right-hander in the state of California.  Robinson also capped off his high
school career after being named the Folsom High School Pitcher of the Year.
“It’s just an experience I wouldn’t really have,” said Robinson. “I couldn’t tell you that I would
go to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin if I wasn’t playing summer league baseball there.  It’s a
chance to play with new guys in an environment that I haven’t necessarily played in yet.”

Nathan Hemmerling is entering his junior season at Lakeland University.  He had a stellar
sophomore campaign, including a one-hit complete game shutout against Edgewood College.
Hemmerling is no stranger to the Rafters as he had a stellar year on the mound in 2021 as well.
He was one of the best pitchers on the staff as he had a 3-0 record in 7 starts and 10 appearances
overall while striking out 39 and posting a 2.23 ERA.
“I’m looking forward to the great coaching staff that the Rafters have to help develop me like
they’ve been doing over the last three years,” said Hemmerling.  “The fans come out and support
us each and every home game, rain or shine, and show us so much appreciation and respect
whether we’re winning or losing.”
Mark your calendars! The Rafters season and home opener is on Monday, May 30th at 6:35pm
against the Green Bay Rockers.

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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’ 27 th  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.