Nicoloff and Black to return for second stint in Rafters uniform
Wisconsin Rapids – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters welcome back two Columbia University seniors, Josh Nicoloff and Billy Black.
In eight starts with the Lions in 2020, Nicoloff belted a team-best 13 hits, one home run, and four RBIs. During the 2019 season, Nicoloff started all 40 games, batted .312, and was All-Ivy League Honorable Mention. The Ivy League Conference canceled conference play for the 2021 spring.
The Ladera Ranch, California native was a part of the Rafters team in 2019. Before leaving due to injury, Nicoloff appeared in 37 games and batted .286.
“I’m super stoked to be out in Rapids again this summer,” Nicoloff said. “I had an awesome experience last time and can’t wait to be playing for the Rafters again.”
Black took the ball in two games for the Lions in 2020. He totaled 10.2 innings with five strikeouts before the season ended due to COVID. In 2019, Black saw action in 11 games with one start in 14.2 innings.
Black appeared in 11 games with two wins and no losses for the Rafters during the 2020 season. Through 21 innings Black struck out 18 batters.
“I’m really excited to be invited back to Rapids this summer and I’m looking forward to a full season with a great group of guys,” Black said. “It is a privilege to be on a team that the community loves so much.”
Mark your calendars! The Rafters Home Opener is on Monday, May 31st at 6:35pm against rival Wisconsin Woodchucks. Reserve your tickets today with a Rafters ticket package! Single game tickets go on sale in April.
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.
We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!
Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
