Rafters Sign Duo of Midwest Outfielders

Osborn is entering his sophomore season at Doane University. He hit 11 homers as a freshman, a Doane University record. Osborn also hit .300, while also setting Doane freshman records with doubles, 14, and RBIs as well with 40. He was also a second-team member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference all-conference lists. Osborn is a native of Hickman, Nebraska, and attended Norris High School.

“I played every game for Doane last season. During the offseason, I have really been able to polish my game with our great coaching staff here. They have gotten me ready to turn it on this spring and summer,” said Osborn. “I know there is some great talent in the league, but I am also in the league. I know there is some great pitching in the league, but I am confident in myself.”

Matt Olive is a sophomore at Valparaiso University. In his freshman season, he hit .255 in 15 starts while also adding two homers and six RBIs. Coming out of high school, Olive was ranked the number one catcher and number 11 overall player in the state of Minnesota by Perfect Game. He enjoys eating at Chipotle, his favorite movies are Rudy and Miracle on Ice, his favorite MLB team is the Minnesota Twins, and his favorite baseball player is Nelson Cruz.

“The Northwoods League will provide really good competition all summer and allow me to grow as a player and a person,” said Olive. “Baseball is a hard game, but at the same time, it is important to remember that it is a game. Games are meant to be fun and when we all perform at our best is when we are all having fun.”

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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.