Northwoods Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

Five former Rafters selected in 2013 MLB Draft

June 11, 2013 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Wisconsin Rapids Rafters News Release


Wisconsin Rapids, WI. - Five former Rafters were selected in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft held from June 6-8, along with a total of 149 current and former Northwoods League players. Outfielder Colin Bray (2012), right-handed pitcher Joey Wagman (2011), right-handed pitcher Ben Heller (2012), and left-handed pitcher Augey Bill (2011-2012) were all selected in the June draft. With the newest draftees, the Rafters now have a total of 10 former players either drafted or that have signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball.

Former Rafters outfielder Colin Bray was selected in the 6th Round (180th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks on the first day of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft on Thursday. He becomes the highest player drafted in Rafters history. Bray just completed his sophomore season at Faulkner Community College.

Bray, a 6'4", 200-pound outfielder from Vancleave, Mississippi played for the Rafters last summer following his freshman season at South Alabama. He appeared in 37 games for the Rafters and posted a .202 batting average with 7 stolen bases last year. Following the summer, Bray transferred to Faulkner Community College, in Alabama, where he posted a .406 batting average with 44 runs scored, 24 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases.

Right handed pitcher Joey Wagman, who had an abbreviated stay with the Rafters in 2011, was selected in the 17th Round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. Wagman appeared in 4 games, spanning 4.1 innings, while recording five strikeouts for the Rafters before departing because of injury.

Wagman had an outstanding senior year with Cal Poly, posting a 13-3 record with a 2.96 ERA. In 112.1 innings he struck out 103 batters while walking just 29.

In the 22nd Round of the draft, the Cleveland Indians selected Olivet Nazarene University right-hander Ben Heller. Heller appeared in 12 games, making 11 starts, for the Rafters last summer. In 66.1 innings he posted a 4-3 record with a 4.47 ERA. The 63 strikeouts he recorded last summer for Wisconsin Rapids is a Rafters team record.

Heller recently completed his senior season in which he posted an 8-4 record with a 3.42 ERA. In 17 games, spanning 81.2 innings, Heller struck out 79 batters while tossing four complete games.

A fan-favorite in his two seasons with the Rafters (2011-2012), University of Arizona left-handed pitcher Augey Bill, was selected in the 39th Round of the draft by the Baltimore Orioles. In eight starts, spanning 52.2 innings last summer for the Rafters, Bill struck out 33 batters while only walking 11. He posted a deceiving 2-3 record with a sparkling 3.13 ERA and pitched at least six innings in all of his starts but one (in which he went 5.2 innings). Six of his eight starts were also quality starts--at least 6 innings pitched and allowing three earned runs or less.

Bill was also a member of the 2011 Rafters team, appearing in 8 games (7 starts) and posting a 3-1 record and 4.09 ERA. During his two seasons in Wisconsin Rapids, he appeared in 16 games, compiling a 5-4 record and 3.54 ERA. In 89 total innings pitched he has struck out 69 batters, while allowing only 24 walks.

The native of Danville, California followed up his successful summer in Wisconsin Rapids last year with a tremendous junior season for the Arizona Wildcats. He posted a team-best 1.98 ERA in 26 relief appearances this spring. In 27.1 innings he recorded 12 strikeouts and two saves, while limiting his opponents to a .220 batting average. Bill was signed again to play with the Rafters for a third season this summer. The Rafters will now wait while Bill decides on his future plans.

Rafters Extras: 2013 Rafters signee Dakota Freese was also selected in the 12th Round by the Oakland Athletics. The Rafters will wait to see whether Freese accepts an offer from the Oakland Athletics or decides to pass and join the team this summer.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. In 2013 the Northwoods League is celebrating its 20th season. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 715-424-5400, online by visiting raftersbaseball.com, or in person by stopping by the Rafters office at Witter Field. Available quantities of all promotional giveaways will vary from event to event and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.  The best way to guarantee giveaway items is to purchase a 9-Game Package. The offseason office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.



Northwoods League Stories from June 11, 2013


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