Rafters Welcome New Radio Voice for 2017
For the City Times
Mick Tidrow hired as Radio Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations
The summer of 2017 will have a different voice in the booth for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. The team is excited to announce the hiring of Mick Tidrow as the team’s new Radio Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations.
Last season, Tidrow handled the same role in Washington with the Kitsap BlueJackets, a West Coast League team in their final season before moving to Port Angeles, Washington. While calling all 68 games home and on the road, Tidrow compiled game recaps, previews and wrote feature stories on players. He also advanced the reach of the team’s social media platforms.
In the 2017 season, on top of calling all 72 Rafters games on AM 1320 WFHR with all home games additionally simulcast on live HD video steam, Tidrow will act as the Rafters traveling secretary and media relations coordinator. In addition, Mick will help with additional video, audio, and graphic projects this season.
“Mick’s professional demeanor and broadcasting experience will be a valuable asset to the Rafters organization this season,” said Rafters General Manager John Fanta. “I know Mick is excited for this opportunity in the Northwoods League and I think Rafters fans are going to love the passion and energy he will bring to the broadcasts.”
Tidrow is a junior at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where he is studying Digital Sports Production and Broadcasting. As a student, Tidrow handles play-by-play duties on ESPN3 and the campus’s student radio station, WCRD 91.3 FM. On ESPN3, Mick has broadcasted baseball, men’s volleyball, women’s soccer and field hockey. With WCRD, he has called softball, volleyball, soccer, basketball and field hockey.
This upcoming spring, Mick will continue calling games on both platforms while working with baseball and softball. Tidrow co-hosts a baseball radio talk show on 91.3FM called ‘The Hot Corner’ breaking down all things baseball. Within the athletics department at Ball State, Mick works as the color analyst on the Ball State Radio Network covering women’s basketball. Outside of broadcasting, he has gained skills in the sales and marketing fields while working within athletics.
Tidrow is elated to be a part of the defending Northwoods League champion Rafters this upcoming summer and deliver a product on the air that describes in great detail and the fans enjoy.
“To be a part of the history and national recognition of the Northwoods League is an honor, especially with the reigning champion Rafters,” Tidrow said. “The summer is about the players and watching them develop and put a career together, and it is special to have a chance to take the next step as a broadcaster while they are doing theirs as ball players. The Rafters are world-class as an organization, and this summer will help play a pivotal role in helping me develop not only a broadcaster, but as a professional.”
The season and home opener for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters is May 30th at 7:05 against the Kenosha Kingfish. Solarus Founders Club, bleacher 9-Game ticket packages, and group outing packages are on sale now. Call 715-424-5400 or stop by the Rafters Front Office Monday–Friday from 9-5 to purchase a ticket package or book a group outing.