For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Rafters all-time winningest field manager, Craig Noto, will return for his fifth season with the Wisconsin Rapids ball club.

“It was a no brainer bringing Craig back,” said new general manager Andy Francis. “During his time with the Rafters, he has elevated the team to a whole different level.”

The 2019 season hopes to be a bounce back season for the Rafters after coming up just short of making the playoffs in 2018.

During his tenure as Rafters’ manager, Noto has seen 17 of his players become Northwoods League All-Stars, five Rawlings “Finest in the Field” Gold Glove winners, and has helped develop nearly two dozen players who have gone on to play professional baseball.

Including postseason play, Noto holds a career record of 173-116 (.599 winning percentage) in his first four seasons as the Rafters’ skipper. Craig has a World Series Championship and holds the record for number of wins in a single season, with 52 in 2017.

Noto came to Wisconsin Rapids with over 20 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and Division 1 Collegiate levels. His recruiting ties and contacts around the United States have been integral in shaping the Rafters rosters each season. Noto is currently an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY. Before Wagner, Noto spent nine seasons as the head assistant coach/recruiting coordinator and pitching coach at LIU-Brooklyn.