New season, new focus: Rafters emphasize community connection

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – For many in Wisconsin Rapids, summer officially begins when the lights come on at Witter Field.
Now, with freshly cut grass, upgraded stadium lights and a renewed sense of purpose surrounding the franchise, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are hoping the 2026 season represents more than just the return of baseball. They hope it marks the beginning of a new era for the organization.
Following an offseason focused heavily on reflection and restructuring, the Rafters enter the summer with changes throughout nearly every level of the organization. From a new concessions vendor and updated fan experiences to improvements in communication and internal operations, the front office says the focus has shifted toward strengthening the relationship between the ballclub and the community it represents.
“We know there are areas where we need to improve,” Rafters Co-Owner and President Joseph Fonti said. “This offseason wasn’t about making excuses. It was about taking a hard look at ourselves and figuring out how we can create a better experience for everyone connected to the organization.”
That process began shortly after the conclusion of last season. Staff members evaluated game-day operations, fan engagement efforts, communication with host families and sponsors, and the overall presentation of the organization.

The goal, Fonti said, was to identify areas where the franchise had fallen short and begin building a stronger foundation moving forward.
On game nights this summer, fans will notice several visible changes around Witter Field. A new concessions operation is expected to streamline food service and expand options for fans, while upgraded stadium lighting provides an improved atmosphere throughout the ballpark.
The organization has also placed a larger emphasis on customer service, promotional experiences and overall consistency on game days.
Fans inside the Founders section can now have food orders taken and delivered directly to their seats. Fans throughout the stadium will also be able to order concessions from their phones using QR codes placed around the ballpark.
“We really want to deliver an overall better experience to every fan,” Director of Hospitality Taylor Meyer said. “People don’t come to games just for baseball, they also come for the experience, and that’s up to us as an organization to create.”
Throughout the offseason, staff members also worked to improve internal communication, redefine organizational expectations and create a more professional structure across departments.
The organization placed an increased emphasis on collaboration between full-time staff, interns and seasonal employees in hopes of creating a more unified culture moving forward.
“There’s a different energy around the ballpark this year,” Assistant General Manager Jeanna Trzebiatowski said. “People care deeply about making this organization better, and that starts with the work being done every day behind the scenes.”
While the Rafters remain focused on putting a competitive team on the field, the front office acknowledged that reconnecting with the community remains one of the organization’s biggest priorities entering the season.
Summer baseball has long been a staple in Wisconsin Rapids, bringing together families, local businesses and fans throughout the warmest months of the year. Fonti said reconnecting with that community identity remains central to the organization’s long-term vision.
“This community deserves a first-class experience,” he said. “We want fans to feel proud walking through the gates at Witter Field again. We want people to feel connected to what we’re building. We want the Rafters to be a place where the community comes together.”
As Opening Day on Monday, May 25 at 6:05 p.m. approaches, the Rafters understand rebuilding confidence will not happen overnight. Still, the organization believes the work completed throughout the offseason represents a significant first step toward creating a stronger and more sustainable future for baseball in Wisconsin Rapids.
At Witter Field this summer, the Rafters hope fans notice the organization delivers on its goal to bring the community together for a fun and remarkable experience.
“That’s what we’re all about, making this place a remarkable experience,” Fonti said.