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New Northwoods League teams start strong

Both expansion teams in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League had strong openings at the gate.

The two newest teams in the summer-collegiate Northwoods League — the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and the Willmar Stingers — had strong debuts, at least in the box office.

The Rafters sold out the grandstand for their first game last night at Witter Field, the former home to Midwest League baseball in town. Even Moe Hill, the legendary former Wisconsin Rapids Twin, was there (unexpectedly; he's slated to make some personal appearances at the park tonight). The final tally: 2,065 on hand. The team is owned by Madison Mallards owner Steve Schmitt and Mallards President Vern Stenman.

In Willmar, longtime league GMs Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak had a strong start at Bill Taunton Stadium, drawing 1,547 fans Thursday night.

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