Rafters Go Coast to Coast with Signings

Kurki is in his sophomore season at Coastal Carolina University. The Iola, Wisconsin native has made two appearances in 2022, totaling a 4.50 ERA, two strikeouts, and no walks. While in high school at Iola-Scandinavia, Kurki was certainly an all-around athlete in high school, as he lettered in and was the team captain of his high school baseball, football, and basketball teams. He was ranked by Perfect Game as the fifth-best right-handed pitcher and 23rd overall best player in Wisconsin in his graduating class of 2020. Kurki was also a member of the National Honor Society in high school.

“The thing I am looking forward to most is playing close to so a lot of people close to me can see me play that I haven’t in a long time,” said Kurki. “My message to Rafters Fans would just be let’s have a heck of a summer enjoying America’s Pastime at Witter Field.”

Brendan Bobo is in his second season at Cal State Fullerton but is considered a freshman due to COVID. He did play in his true freshman season of 2021, hitting .247 with three homers and 15 RBI. Bobo’s second season with the Titans has improved his batting average to .291, has still managed 3 homers, and has 16 RBI. He was a four-time baseball letter winner at Harbor High School in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California. Bobo chose Cal State Fullerton because it was his dream school. His father, Elgin, played in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization. Bobo also volunteers his time outside of baseball and school with the Special Olympics.

“One thing I’m looking forward to the most about playing for the Rafters and in the Northwoods League is the competition. I love to compete, and I know the Northwoods Leagues is filled with a bunch of great talent,” said Bobo. “There’s many things that college has taught me that I can apply to playing for the Rafters, but one thing that sticks out is always trying to compete at the highest level and to never be satisfied with what you got.”

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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, then 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