Sluggers Cyr and Hohl to Power Rafters in 2012

(Photo Courtesy: Erin Connell)

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – January 17th, 2012.  The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have retained a pair of sluggers from their 2011 club as the team announced the signings of first baseman Josh Cyr (North Alabama) and third baseman Brandon Hohl (Illinois) for their 2012 roster.  Cyr and Hohl join returnees Nestor Bautista (Ball State) and Skyler Debilzen (UW-La Crosse) on the list of Rafters signees to date.

“Cyr and Hohl are great team guys that come out and play hard every day,” said manager Jake Martin.  “That’s why we are excited to have them return as core guys that can help lead our team this summer.”

1B-Josh Cyr, 6’1”, 240 lbs (R/R) Junior, North Alabama
After a strong sophomore campaign for North Alabama, Josh Cyr added a fusion of power to the 2011 Rafters lineup.  The durable first baseman batted .243 last summer, while leading the team in multiple offensive categories including games played (68), hits (56), home runs (12), and RBI (39).  His 12 home runs ranked him second in the entire Northwoods League to Mankato’s Shaun Cooper, who was named the Northwoods League MVP in 2011 after belting a single season record 20 home runs.  Cyr also ranked second on the team in walks (30) and doubles (11), while tying for the team lead with 30 runs scored.
 
In 51 games as a sophomore at North Alabama last spring, Cyr batted .314 with 7 home runs and 46 RBI, while also carrying a .502 on-base percentage.  That production followed up a freshman season that saw him post a .331 batting average, on the way to being named Gulf South Conference East Division Freshman of the Year.

Cyr is a native of Huntsville, Alabama and still holds the high school record for home runs in a season at Westminster Christian Academy.

3B-Brandon Hohl, 6’2”, 205 lbs (R/R) Junior, Illinois
After spending the spring season as the cleanup hitter for Illinois, Brandon Hohl showed up in Wisconsin Rapids with a productive bat and a consistent glove at third base and shortstop in 2011.  Appearing in 60 games for the Rafters last summer, Hohl posted a .251 batting average and led the team with 16 doubles and 40 walks.  He ranked second on the team to Cyr in games played (60), hits (54), and RBI (32), while ranking third on the team with 6 home runs.

As a sophomore at Illinois, Hohl batted .311 with a .415 on-base percentage and showed his clutch nature by posting a .365 batting average with runners in scoring position.  He posted a .278 batting average as a freshman while compiling 18 multiple hit games in 2010.

Hohl was named the no. 31 prospect in the state of Illinois his senior year of high school by Prep Baseball Report after hitting .391 with 7 doubles, 5 home runs and 27 RBIs and a .509 on-base percentage as senior at Lincoln-Way East High School.  He is a native of Mokena, Illinois.

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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