He was a right-handed pitcher who played in the Clinton County League for 17 years. He pitched for the New Baden Bombers from 1980 to 1982 and Trenton from 1985 to 1998. He was named MVP seven times, and he was on nine league championship teams.

In the late 1970s, Rakers was a pitcher for Wesclin High School in Trenton, Illinois. In the early 1980s, he pitched for Belleville Area College, helping his team advance to the Illinois state tournament. 

From 1982 to 1984, he starred on the mound for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, finishing his college career ranked second in ERA and fifth in total wins.

Rakers played semi-pro ball from 1982 to 1984 for Spankies in Edwardsville. From 1999 to 2011, he pitched in the Cahokia Fountain of Youth League for the A’s and Phillies. He was on eight league championship teams. Rakers coached amateur baseball teams in the St. Louis area for many years.