Familiar Faces Return to Pitching Staff

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – January 24th, 2012.  The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters announced the return of two key left handed pitchers who played important roles during the first two seasons of Rafters baseball.  Tommy Organ (North Florida), who led all 2010 Rafters pitchers in strikeouts joins 2011 starter Augey Bill (Arizona) in what is shaping up to be a strong rotation for first-year manager Jake Martin. 

“We are extremely excited to have both Tommy and Augey return to Wisconsin Rapids for the 2012 season,” said assistant general manager John Fanta.  “Both players have already experienced a great deal of success in the Northwoods League and we look forward to having their leadership on the team.”

LHP-Tommy Organ, 6’5”, 180 lbs (L/L) Junior, North Florida
After leading the Inaugural Season Rafters pitching staff in strikeouts in 2010, Tommy Organ will return to Wisconsin Rapids following his junior season at North Florida this spring.  Last spring, Organ appeared in 15 games (8 starts) for the Ospreys and posted a 4.12 ERA.  In 43.2 innings he struck out 44 batters and posted a 4-2 record during his sophomore season, subsequently being named to the 2011 Atlantic Sun Conference All-Academic Team.

Following his freshman year at North Florida, Organ appeared in 16 games for the Rafters, making 8 starts.  He posted a 1-3 record to go along with a 4.39 ERA and struck out a team-high 54 batters in 53.1 innings of work.  Arguably his best pitching performance of the season occurred on July 23rd at Wausau, after transitioning from bullpen to starting duty.  In 6.1 innings against the Woodchucks, Organ allowed only 2 hits while striking out a season-high 11 batters.  He allowed only one unearned run in the dominant performance.

The Chicago, Illinois native appeared in 15 games out of the North Florida bullpen while posting a 4.56 ERA as a freshman.  In 25.2 innings he struck out 19 batters and also compiled 3 saves.  He currently resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida. 

LHP-Augey Bill, 6’8”, 220 lbs (L/L) Junior, Arizona
After redshirting his sophomore year, Bill proved to be a very consistent and durable force for the 2011 Rafters pitching staff.  After joining the team mid-season, Bill appeared in 8 games (7 starts) and posted a 3-1 record and 4.10 ERA.  Spanning 37.1 innings on the mound, Bill allowed only 32 hits while striking out 36 batters and only allowing 13 walks.

In 17 games (1 start) for the Arizona Wildcats as a true freshman in 2010, Bill posted a 4.40 ERA in 14.1 innings on the mound.  Opponents posted a miniscule .218 batting average against him, the lowest mark for any pitcher on the staff.  He managed to strike out 14 batters in as many innings, while allowing only one extra base hit.  Bill is a native of Danville, California and is currently enrolled in the College of Engineering at Arizona, with a major in aerospace engineering.

The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games in 2012. Opening Day at historic Witter Field is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th at 7:05 pm vs. the La Crosse Loggers. Reserve your 2012 ticket packages today by calling 715-424-5400, or in person by stopping by the Rafters office at historic Witter Field.  The offseason office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. For more information, visit www.raftersbaseball.com.
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