One season wasn’t enough for two Rafter All-Stars.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – After a historical 2022 season that included 57 wins, hitting 72 home runs as a team, and had seven players named to the Northwoods League All-Star team, it is not a surprise that Field Manager Kirk Shrider is bringing back some familiar faces. 

The first returning Northwoods League All-Star for the Rafters is one who led the team in total games played, and in at bats, Utah Valley infielder Garrett Broussard. Garrett was a core member of the Rafters finishing second in total hits with 63, Broussard also batted an average of .251 with 5 home runs and 49 RBI’s

Broussard had limited playing time for Utah Valley in the 2022 season due to injury, but he played in 38 games totaling 28 starts, and finished with academic all WAC honors. Previously, in the 2021 season, Garrett played and started in all 57 games with 19 RBI’s and 21 runs scored. So far in the 2023 season he has started in 38 games, and has recorded 4 home runs and 23 RBIs.

The second All-Star headed back to Central Wisconsin is left handed pitcher Josh Howitt. Josh hails from Encino, California and currently pitches for Cal State Fullerton. Howitt appeared in 13 games for the Rafters, posting a perfect 8-0 record. Howitt led the team in strikeouts last year with 47 in 36 innings pitched, with a 2.50 ERA. Howitt has pitched 4.1 innings for the Titans in 2023, striking out four hitters.

The Rafters 2023 season will kick off at home on May 29th against the Lakeshore Chinooks. First pitch is set for 6:35. Single game tickets are on sale now!

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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. Now in its’ 29th 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, 300 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 (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. 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 Rockers as your favorite team.