For the City Times

Tyler Osik and Brody Wofford will join Wisconsin Rapids in 2018

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Today the Rafters announced the signings of utility player Tyler Osik and outfielder Brody Wofford. Osik and Wofford play collegiate baseball for the University of Central Florida Knights (UCF).

Brody Wofford

“Tyler and Brody will bring a ton of experience to this year’s roster,” said Rafters GM John Fanta. “They are both very polished players that we look forward to having them anchor the middle our lineup this season.”

Tyler Osik is a 6-foot, 195-pound versatile player, who can play in the infield but has primarily started in left field for UCF this season. He was selected in the 40th Round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates before decided to continue his career at UCF this year. A right-handed hitter, Osik is currently hitting .323 with 21 hits on the year. The Shoreham, New York native also has 17 RBIs, 10 runs scored and two home runs so far in 2018. Osik played his last two seasons at Chipola Junior College prior to transferring to UCF this year. As a sophomore, Osik hit .329 with five home runs, 27 RBIs and 45 runs scored. Tyler Osik is the son of nine-year MLB veteran, Keith Osik, who played most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates but also saw time with the Brewers, Orioles and Nationals.

Tyler Osik

Brody Wofford is a left-hand hitting outfielder also in the midst of his junior season. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound junior has primarily manned right field for the Knights this spring. Wofford is a solid defender with a .960 fielding percentage this season, making 24 out of 25 fielding chances. Wofford was Osik’s teammate last year at Chipola Junior College. The Rome, GA native hit .335, smashed six home runs, collected 54 RBI, sported a .508 slugging percentage and was named First Team All-Conference last year. Wofford spent his freshman season at LSU. He played 38 games, batted .242 and nabbed five RBIs his first collegiate go-around.

Osik, Wofford and the rest of the 2018 Wisconsin Rapids Rafters will begin their season on the road against the Madison Mallards on Tuesday, May 29th. The Home Opener is slated for Friday, June 1st against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The entire 2018 Rafters schedule is available at www.raftersbaseball.com.