Rafters Add Catcher Ammirati, Infielder Hamilton for 2012

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – January 30th, 2012.  The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters announced the addition of two more players to their 2012 roster.  Catcher Nick Ammirati (Mississippi State) and infielder Nick Hamilton (Kent State) have signed to play for the Rafters this summer.

“We are excited to add two players who have experienced tremendous success in summer leagues in the past,” said General Manager Liz Kern.  “They will both provide flexibility with their switch hitting abilities while also contributing excellent defense.”

C-Nick Ammirati, 5’9”, 195 lbs (S/R) Junior, Mississippi State
Ammirati will begin his first year at Mississippi State this spring after spending his sophomore season at Panola Junior College in Texas.  Last year at Panola, the switch-hitting catcher batted .280 with four doubles and nine RBI while striking out just 10 times in 132 at-bats. He posted a .986 fielding percentage behind the plate while throwing out 22 of 46 base runners attempting to steal, a very impressive 47% success rate.  Ammirati played his freshman campaign at Seton Hall, where he batted .217 in 60 at-bats while driving in six runs.   

Ammirati is no stranger to summer baseball, having spent last year playing for the Orange County Pioneers where he posted a .298 batting average and was subsequently named to the California Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game. 

Nick hails from Seton Hall Prep High School in West Orange, New Jersey.  He was drafted out of high school by the Florida Marlins in the 46th round of the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft, after an impressive prep career.  During his high school years Ammirati and Seton Hall Prep High School were tabbed as the top-ranked high school team in the nation by both Baseball America and Perfect Game USA.  One of Ammirati’s battery mates in high school was pitcher Rick Porcello, who is currently pitching in the Major Leagues as member of the Detroit Tigers starting rotation. 

IF-Nick Hamilton, 6’2”, 190 lbs (S/R) Junior, Kent State
Hamilton joins the Rafters after enjoying a successful season for the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers of the Northwoods League in 2011.  Appearing in 41 games for Brainerd last summer, Hamilton posted a .299 batting average, with 10 doubles, 15 RBI and a .376 on-base percentage.

Hamilton began his collegiate playing career at Xavier before transferring to Kent State and redshirting during the 2010 season.  During the 2010 summer, Hamilton competed for the Lorain County Ironmen of the Prospect League, collecting 21 hits during the season.  His vast summer collegiate experience will be a welcomed addition to the 2012 Rafters roster.

Hamilton attended Avon Lake High School where he set school records with a .481 batting average and .625 on-base percentage during his senior season.  He also earned First-Team All-Ohio, Southwestern Conference Most Valuable Player, and Lorain County Co-Player of the Year recognition while at Avon Lake.  Nick is the son of Tom Hamilton, who has been the “Voice of the Cleveland Indians” since 1990.  In his 22 seasons on the radio, Tom Hamilton has called 68 postseason games, including the 1995 and 1997 World Series’.  He is a five-time recipient of the Ohio Sportscaster of the Year Award.

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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