Tom “Ziggy” Zieglowsky – Field Manager
A native of Garden Grove, California, Tom Zieglowsky (known as “Coach Ziggy”) brings over 15 years of coaching experience to the Northwoods League. Before his coaching career, Coach Ziggy enjoyed a successful playing career, earning First Team All-Conference honors and finishing his collegiate career in 2005 with an impressive 13-2 record. He was also a standout pitcher for the Campesinos in the 2023 Mavericks League. After transitioning from player to coach, Coach Ziggy has held several coaching roles, including Head Coach at Bristol University, Assistant Coach at Lora High School, Assistant Coach at Trosky Baseball AV, and Assistant Coach at Hope International University, where he helped guide the team to the 2024 NAIA National Championship. Most recently, he served as an Assistant Coach for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. Coach Ziggy is dedicated to developing both the physical and mental aspects of the game, emphasizing hard work, discipline, and a team-first mentality. He is passionate about fostering an environment that promotes growth and competition, both on and off the field. Coach Ziggy looks forward to helping players elevate their skills this summer with the Rafters.
Mike Spears – Pitching Coach
Mike Spears has 20+ years of playing/coaching experience with five of those years pitching professionally. He works with College, Minor League and current MLB Pitchers. Spears is no stranger to summer ball coaching two summers in the West Coast League (17’and19′). He was also the pitching coach for the Glacier Range Riders in the Pioneer League(22′) and collegiately at San Diego Christian College (18′) and Johnson University(23′).
His goal is to assist his pitchers with development in their mechanics, mental aspects of pitching along with performance. He brings passion, desire and a very strong work ethic along with strength and conditioning knowledge. He wants to share his experiences and educate players on and off the field.
Eric Robles – Assistant Coach
Eric Robles is a Butte College player alumni and now coaches for the team. He emphasizes player development.
Robles played Shortstop and 2B for the Roadrunners and was a key part of those teams as he played in every game those two years. He was a small ball specialist, was exceptional at putting ball in play, and consistent at giving quality at bats.
Following Butte, Robles continued to play for a former alumni Dylan Connolly at Sterling College. Robles spent three years there as well, with a NAIA regional appearance in 2019 his first year in the program.
Since leaving College Robles has also played Independently for teams in California, Michigan, and Oregon. Still pursuing high levels of baseball, Robles is a journeyman who has a passion for the game. He has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management- Coaching and Instruction from Sterling College.
Manuel Silva – Assistant Coach
Manuel Silva is a professional baseball player and pitching coach with experience in independent, collegiate, and international leagues.
After starting at Concord University (NCAA DII), he played in the Mavericks League, where he pitched 28.2 innings with 17 strikeouts in 2023, helping win the league championship.
In 2024, he threw 18.2 innings with 8 strikeouts. He currently pitches in the Baseball WA Winter League, with 32.1 innings, 26 strikeouts, and a .200 BAA, contributing to a playoff run. As a high school pitching coach at Citizens Christian Academy (GA), He was dealt the pitching role; the team ERA improved from 4.25 (2023) to 2.36 (2024). He has worked with Bobby Bell (AA Hitting Coach, Houston Astros) and Frank Moore (Washington Nationals Coach, FCL) in player development camps. He continues to pursue playing opportunities while focusing on mentoring baseball talent.