2009 National CPL All-Star Team Announced

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Coastal Plain League announced today the roster for the 2009 National CPL All-Star Team. The Coastal Plain League’s 11th annual All-Star Game will be played at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington, N.C. on Tuesday, July 21st.

The National Team features players from 11 CPL clubs (Edenton, Florence, Forest City, Gastonia, Martinsville, Outer Banks, Peninsula, Petersburg, Thomasville, Wilmington and Wilson), with the players being selected by head coaches and media representatives from all clubs. The National roster is comprised of 27 players, highlighted by nine Player of the Week selections: first baseman Phil Cerreto (Week 1), shortstops Ronnie Shaban (Week 1) and Tyler Stubblefield (Week 5), outfielders Randolph Oduber (Week 4) and Stewart Ijames (Week 5), as well as pitchers Trent Howard (Week 1), John Taylor (Week 2), Bryan Breedlove (Week 4) and Trent Rothlin (Week 4 & 6).

Furthermore, Gastonia’s Byron McKoy, Edenton’s Adam De La Garza, and Petersburg’s Jerry Battipaglia were also selected as All-Stars for the National team, but will not be able to attend due to injury and have been replaced on the roster.

The Wilmington Sharks, in conjunction with the Coastal Plain League, will host the All-Star Game and festivities beginning on Monday, July 20th and running thru Tuesday, July 21st. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. on July 21st.

Below is the complete roster for the National CPL All-Star Team (starters are shown with an asterisk (*)).


Pos. Name Team Ht. Wt. Yr. School Hometown
C Donnie Corsner* Outer Banks 6-4 185 So. Old Dominion Virginia Beach, Va.
C Tyler Smith Martinsville 6-0 185 So. Mount Olive Kinston, N.C.

1B Phil Cerreto* Martinsville 6-1 200 Jr. Longwood Midlothian, Va.
1B Josh Whitaker Outer Banks 6-2 230 So. Kennesaw State Augusta, Ga.

2B Matthew Hamlet* Gastonia 6-0 170 So. Boston College Chesapeake, Va.
2B Gerard Hall Edenton 5-9 165 Jr. Old Dominion Washington, D.C.

3B Greyson Schram* Gastonia 6-0 190 Jr. Concord Denver, N.C.
3B Derek Spencer Outer Banks 6-1 185 Jr. Bowling Green Oregon, Ohio

SS Ronnie Shaban* Petersburg 6-1 195 Fr. Virginia Tech Moseley, Va.
SS Tyler Stubblefield Outer Banks 5-11 185 Jr. Kennesaw State Woodstock, Ga.

OF Dylan Petrich* Outer Banks 6-3 190 Jr. Texas A&M Wichita, Kan.
OF Bobby Leeper* Wilson 6-1 175 Jr. UNC-Wilmington Raleigh, N.C.
OF Randolph Oduber* Gastonia 6-2 200 Fr. W. Oklahoma State Paradera, Aruba
OF Sam DiMatteo Florence 5-11 175 Jr. California of Pa. Center Township, Pa.
OF Will Lamb Peninsula 6-4 170 Fr. Clemson Seaford, Va.
OF Wade Moore Forest City 6-0 202 Jr. NC State Cleveland, N.C.
OF Billy Barber Peninsula 6-5 230 So. Richmond Fredericksburg, Va.
OF Stewart Ijames Thomasville 6-1 205 RS-So. Louisville Owensboro, Ky.
#OF Byron McKoy Gastonia 5-9 184 So. Temple Charlotte, N.C.
#OF Adam De La Garza Edenton 5-8 180 Jr. Sam Houston State Red Oak, Texas

RHP John Taylor* Florence 5-10 165 Jr. South Carolina Florence, S.C.
RHP Trent Rothlin Martinsville 6-2 190 So. Mississippi Hickory, N.C.
RHP Daniel Cropper Wilmington 6-4 190 RS-So. UNC-Wilmington Snow Hill, Md.
RHP Stephen McCray Florence 6-3 230 Jr. Tennessee Lilburn, Ga.
RHP Jason Sullivan Wilson 6-1 205 Jr. Western Carolina Shelbyville, Ill.
RHP Bryan Breedlove Forest City 6-1 185 Jr. Lynchburg College Suffolk, Va.
LHP Adam Kolarek Outer Banks 6-2 215 So. Maryland Baltimore, Md.
RHP Ben Booker Gastonia 6-2 175 So. East Tennessee State Knoxville, Tenn.
LHP Trent Howard Wilson 6-2 185 Fr. Central Michigan Hammond, Ind.
#RHP Jerry Battipaglia Petersburg 6-6 230 Fr. Villanova Katonah, N.Y.

# - injured but honored as an All-Star

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, now in its 13th season. Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

2009 CPL Rawlings Players of the Week for Week Two

The Coastal Plain League announced Monday that Wilmington’s Adam Eggemeyer was named the Rawlings Hitter of the Week, while Forest City’s Heath Hembree and Florence’s John Taylor were tabbed Rawlings Co-Pitchers of the Week for week two of action (June 8- June 14).

Eggemeyer, a redshirt senior at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, started six games on the week for the Sharks and finished with an outstanding .500 batting average. On his 13 hits, he had three doubles and three home runs. He also scored eight runs and drove in nine RBIs, a league high for the week. Eggemeyer accumulated a total of 25 bases to go with a remarkable .962 slugging percentage and .536 on-base percentage. So far this season, Eggemeyer is batting .429 after 63 at-bats. He has helped Wilmington by tallying 17 RBIs on his 27 hits and hitting three home runs.

On the mound, Hembree was perfect for Forest City in his only appearance so far this season. The 6-4, 200-pound sophomore from College of Charleston had one start, pitching nine complete innings while striking out 13 batters and only allowing one hit. Overall, Hembree finished with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record on the week.

In Florence, Taylor was also brilliant on the mound, making two appearances for the RedWolves, including one start. The 5-10, 165- pound junior right-hander from South Carolina finished the week with a perfect 0.00 ERA and 1-0 record, while also striking out 10 batters. Taylor pitched nine innings, allowing only one hit, but no runs. On the season, Taylor has made five appearances for the RedWolves and pitched 20.2 innings with a record of 1-1. In those five appearances he has struck out 22 batters and only allowed four runs with an ERA of 0.44.

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season. Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves remind all of our fans about the big start up week for the 2009 season. Come out Tuesday night from 6-8pm to meet the RedWovles players and coaches. The Thursday night is the 2009 home opener against rival Fayetteville. Saturday's game is Little League night, all players and coaches wearing their team uniform get in for only $1. There will be inflateables for the kids from 6-8pm.

Listen to all the RedWolves road games on your computer by logging onto Florenceredwolves.com and click on the webpass icon at the bottom of the page for instructions on how you can catch all the out of town games.

The 2009 RedWolves camp will begin June 15th. You can download a registration form off the RedWovles website and mail it in to book your spot.

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves season is just around the corner. The annual media/fan night on Tuesday May 26th from 6-8pm at American Legion Field. Come out and meet the 2009 players and get your tickets for the home opener against the rival Fayetteville Swampdogs on Thursday May 28th at 7:30. There will be parachute jumpers before the game and fireworks after. Magnet schedules, sponsored by the South Carolina National Guard will be given away at the gate.

The RedWolves are still taking applications for the 2009 Summer camp the week of June 15th. Go to www.florenceredwolves.com to download your sign up form.

The RedWolves announce the signing of Sam DiMatteo a 5'11" 175lb Jr OF/C from California University of Pennsylvania.

RedWolves notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of three players as conditional players for the start of the 2009 season. Local players Michael Calhoun 5'9" 200lb Jr. 1B/OF from Brevard College (The Byrnes School) and John Taylor 5'10" 165lb So. RHP/UTL from Florence Darlington Tech (Wilson High) along with USC's Curtis Murphy 6'3" 210lb RS Jr. 1B/3B will be pivotal additions to the RedWolves roster to help get the team off to a strong start. "Getting of to a good start in this league is very important". "Knowing each season that some of your roster will not be here at the beginning due to post season play, it is important to find players that have the talent and the willingness to come in play in their spots can help determine a teams direction for the whole season".

"For the fans we want to put a good product on the field every game and now more motivation is the fact that the league has gone to a playoff format and the first half winners of each division automatically get to host the first round playoff game". "We are fortunate that we have some local players that can come in and help us, Calhoun and Taylor are excited to be a part of the team and we are excited to have them". "Murphy kind of fell in our lap after our roster was already full, but he is willing to come in as a conditional to be a part of our team and obviously having another Carolina player on the roster doesn't hurt either from a fan standpoint".

The RedWolves have one block of games still available for this summer for a local non-profit group to come in an work and earn money for their organization. If you group is interested in information on these dates and how the program works, call the RedWolves office at 629-0700. The block of games will be assigned on a first come first serve basis.

The 2009 pocket schedules have hit the streets. Check out your favorite local business and pick one up to get all the details of the RedWolves thirty game home season.

RedWolves Notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce the signing of four Francis Marion Patriots to the 2009 roster. Barrett Kleinknecht, 6ft 195lb Jr. RHP/Infielder and Austin Smetana a 6ft 200lb Redshirt Fr. Utility player will return to the team this summer after successful 2008 campaigns. They will be joined by teammates Preston Shuey a 6'5" 245lb So. 1st baseman and Brandon Forshee a 6ft 190lb Jr. RHP.

The RedWolves remind kids ages 6-15 to sign up for their 2009 summer camp to be held June 15-18. Camp cost is $80 and is taught by the 2009 RedWolves players and coaches. Sign up forms can be downloaded at florenceredwolves.com or a form can be picked up at All Star Sports.

The RedWolves are also taking reservations for team/birthday parties during their 2009 home schedule. Call the RedWolves office for more information and to book your outing at 629-0700

There are still a few season box seats available for the 2009 season, cost is $135 for 30 home games. General admission ticket books will be available for purchase starting May 8th. Call or come by the RedWolves office at American Legion Field to purchase tickets to see your Florence RedWolves play this summer.

RedWolves Notebook

The Florence RedWolves announce the signing of three players from Clemson for the 2009 season. David Haselden a 6'3" 230lb Fr RHP, Kyle Deese a 6'2" 200lb Redshirt Fr. RHP, and Tomas Cruz a 5'10" 190lb Jr. RHP will be manning the hill for RedWolves this summer

The RedWolves are proud to announce that the fans will once again have several opportunities to help out local charitable organizations during the 2009 season. June 15th will be Harvest Hope Food Bank night, June 23rd will be Homer's Birthday donation night for the Florence Area Humane Society. June 27th will be NASCAR night with a silent auction being held to raise funds for local NASCAR legend Sam Ard. On July 7th it will be Christmas in July donation night for the Salvation Army and July 24th will be Emergency Personnel appreciation night with donations of teddy bears for the emergency organizations. All of these donation nights will allow fans to bring items for these groups and receive discount admission prices to the game. "We are very proud of the donations that we have compiled over the past few years for these organizations." "The RedWolves fans have responded to our call and have taken advantage of the discounts that we offer." "The team plans on continuing to help out and use our games as a stage to help these groups for seasons to come, we encourage our fans to help us increase the donations amounts again this year as they have done each previous season."

RedWolves notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of Steven Neff a 6'2" 185lb Redshirt Fr LHP/OF from the University of South Carolina and BJ Hyatt a 6'4" 200lb So. RHP from USC-Sumter.

Coach Wes Davis has hired Andrew Noble from Greenville College in Greenville, IL and Blake Newsome from Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC as his assistant coaches for the 2009 RedWolves season. Newsome played for Methodist and is currently serving as a student assistant with Methodist, prior to Methodist he played for Florence Darlington Tech. Newsome graduated from East Clarendon High School in Turbeville, SC.

Four former RedWolves players have begun the season on a MLB roster for the 2009 season. Kevin Youkilis(1999) is the gold glove starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, Ty Wigginton(1998) is 3B/DH for the Baltimore Orioles, Ryan Speier(2000) is pitching for the Colorado Rockies and Brett Carroll(2003) is an outfielder for the Florida Marlins.

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of two more players from the University of Maine. Matt Jebb a 6'6" 250lb So. RHP and Joe Miller a 6'3" 215lb Jr. RHP will be joining teammates Myckie Lugbauer and Taylor Lewis on the 2009 Florence Roster.

"These are two big strong arms from a solid program. Jebb is a strike thrower with a great fastball and good stuff to go with it. He is working as the number one for Maine and pitching to Myckie Lugbauer behind the plate. Matt should see time in the starting rotation. Miller is another big righthander from up north. He has a heavy fastball and a power breaker. Joe will start out the summer in bullpen and will spot start as well." - Wes Davis

A Florence RedWolves game makes a great place to hold your company outing this summer. The RedWolves offer group ticket rates and catering options to provide your employees and their families a fun outing event. Call the RedWolves office for information on having your company outing this summer at the ballpark, 629-0700. visit the RedWolves online at www.florenceredwolves.com

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of two position players from the University of Maine for the 2009 season. 2008 All Star catcher Myckie Lugbauer, 6'4" 225lb Jr will return for a second season with Florence. Lugbauer hit .271 with a homer and 33 rbi's for the RedWolves in 2008. He was selected as the starting catcher for the 2008 CPL American league All Star squad and went 1 for 2 in the game. Lugbauer is currently batting .320 with 2 homers and 16 rbi's in 19 games for the 12-9 Blackbears. He will be joined this summer by team mate Taylor Lewis, 6ft 195lb Fr. outfielder. Lewis is currently hitting .200 in 10 games of action this season.

The RedWolves increase their 2009 home game schedule to 30 overall by adding two exhibition games. On June 3rd the RedWolves will take on the Catawba Valley Stars from a summer team league in NC/VA and on Sunday July 5th Florence will play against a University of South Carolina baseball player alumni team. The game will be sponsored by Moe's Southwest Grill. Former USC and Florence RedWolves player Tripp Kelly(1999, 2000), has been instrumental in putting this event together with the RedWolves. Along with Kelly, local and former Gamecocks Davy Gregg(RedWolves 02,03 04) and American Legion head coach Derrick Urquhart will be on hand to take on the 2009 Florence team. Game time is scheduled for 6pm and more details on the game will follow as the date draws near.

Ticket sales for the 2009 season continue, to purchase season tickets or general admission game tickets call the RedWolves office at 629-0700.

RedWolves notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of two pitchers from Mercyhurst College in Erie PA. 2008 starter Steve Grife, a 6ft 180lb Jr RHP had a great season for the RedWolves in 2008 going 4-1 with a 1.65ERA and 55 strikeouts in 49 innings of work. Grife also threw a no-hitter against rival Fayetteville on June 8th. It was the third consecutive year that a Mercyhurst pitcher has thrown a no-hitter for the RedWolves, (Brian Esperson-07, John Mang-06). Grife is currently 3-0 with a 5.95ERA and 26 K's in 19 innings. Grife will be joined by teammate Nick Gillung a 6'1" 180lb So. LHP. Gillung is currently 2-0 with a 3.12ERA and 21K's in 17innings for the Lakers.

"I am very excited to have two guys from Coach Spano and Mercyhurst. I am pleased to have Grife back after his dominance in 08. He has an electric fastball, plus curveball, and a great changeup. Steve is a fierce competitor and will lead our pitching staff this summer. Gillung is another Laker that is a great addition to the pitching staff. He is a left hander with some arm strength and has command of three pitches. Nick will help us this summer in various roles." Wes Davis

The Florence RedWolves are looking for college interns for the 2009 season. If you are a Sports Mgmnt, Sports Marketing, Marketing or Media major and need a summer internship for course credit please call the RedWolves office, 629-0700, for more information and details. The RedWolves season runs from late May through mid August, the internship would begin as soon as spring semester is over.

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the return of a 2008 player and the signing of a pitcher both from Notre Dame. Herman Petzold a 5'10" 180lb Jr. Infielder will be back on the Florence roster for a second season and Todd Miller a 6'3" 205lb So. RHP will join the team with Petzold representing the Fighting Irish.

Petzold hit .266 with a homerun and 19 RBI's in 49 games during the 2008 season for the RedWolves.

"I am very excited to have a couple Fighting Irish in Florence this summer. Herman was a huge part of our success last year. He is a leader who plays with passion and drive. Petzold will be a versatile guy who can play all three infield positions. Miller is a good addition to our pitching staff. He is strikethrower with a good breaking ball and will challenge hitters. Todd should compete for a startiing spot in the rotation this summer," said Wes Davis.

The RedWolves mascot Homer is scheduled to make a couple of public appearances on Saturday March 21st. Homer can be seen in the morning at the McLeod Sports Medicine annual 5- 10K race at Briggs Elementary starting around 9am. Then he will travel over to Florence Toyota/Scion to participate in their 1st Annual Family Spring Fling that includes a cookout, inflateables and other carnival type events. The event be will be from 10am - 6pm and Homer should arrive around 11:30. Homer invites all of his friends to come out and see him as he gets ready for the upcoming season.

Coastal Plain League Goes Green, Announces Go Green Week

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Coastal Plain League announced today that it is “Going Green” in 2009. The CPL has partnered with the Go Green Initiative, and its teams will be holding a Go Green Week from July 5 through July 12.

“I’m so proud to support the Coastal Plain League’s ‘Green Week’,” said Jill Buck, Founder and Executive Director of the Go Green Initiative. “Baseball was a huge part of my childhood, and I know that millions of American kids are shaped by their experiences at the ballpark. It’s truly inspiring to see an entire baseball league making their stadiums a place where kids can see environmental stewardship in action, and have a great time with their family!”

While the CPL is still in the planning stages of its Go Green Week, member clubs will be taking part in several different ways to “Go Green”. The CPL has already partnered with Zephyr hats to do a green hat for the players and coaches to wear during the games; and other things teams will be doing include recycling programs for plastic bottles and aluminum cans, some teams will be playing day games to help conserve electricity and participating in community clean-ups and beach sweeps. The CPL and its clubs will also be helping raise awareness through announcements and reading off important facts of the benefits of “Going Green” throughout the week.

“We are very excited to announce that our league and member clubs are going green,” said Assistant Commissioner Justin Sellers. “We feel this is a very important cause and hope that our Go Green Week will be a successful one in helping do things that will better the environment and create a “go green” consciousness in everyone’s mind.”

Go Green Radio will feature a segment on the CPL’s Go Green Week Friday, March 6, 2009 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EST. Fans are encouraged to listen in and can do so by logging onto www.VoiceAmerica.com. Once there, navigate to the Voice America section under the Networks tab to open up the live broadcast. Go Green Radio is heard by five million listeners worldwide.

More information on the Coastal Plain League Go Green Week will be coming soon. Please visit www.coastalplain.com for all updates.

About the Go Green Initiative: The Go Green Initiative is the world’s fastest growing fully comprehensive environmental action plan for schools. By promoting environmental stewardship on campuses from preschools through universities, the GGI works to involve families, businesses and local governments in the common goal of protecting human health through environmental stewardship. Since its inception in July 2002, the Go Green Initiative has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association, National Recycling Coalition, adopted by eight State PTA Boards, implemented in all 50 U.S. states, 13 countries and on 4 continents. The Go Green Initiative has kept more than nine million pounds of recyclables out of the world’s landfills, conserved 25.7 million gallons of water, and saved over 55 billion BTUs of energy. These accomplishments were achieved voluntarily, with no mandates or legislation, showing that “going green” is practical and simply makes sense. There are currently over 2.2 million students and teachers in registered Go Green schools.

About the Coastal Plain League: The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season. Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

RedWolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of a pair of Tennessee Volunteers to the 2009 roster. Stephen McCray a Jr. 6'3" 230lb 1B/RHP and Will Locante a Fr. 6ft 175lb LHP will be in Florence this summer.

Sponsorship opportunities for the 2009 season are still available. The RedWolves entertained over 35,000 fans during their 2008 season. The RedWolves make a great avenue to promote your business to people in the Pee Dee area. Contact the RedWolves office at 629-0700 for more information.

Redwolves Notebook

The RedWolves announce the signing of Brad Raj, a Jr. 6ft 205lb RHP/INF from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and Cory Briggs a Jr. 6ft 205lb INF from University of the Ozarks in Arkansas. Briggs is his conference pre season player of the year choice along with teammate and 2008 RedWovles player Bruce Cameron.

The RedWolves have launched a new look for our Web site.

2009 RedWolves tickets are now on sale, info is on the website or call the RedWolves office at 629-0700 for more information. Registration for the 2009 summer camp is now under way. The camp will be the week of June 15th. Information can be downloaded on the website or a sign up form can be picked up at All Star Sports.

2009 RedWolves Tickets on Sale

2009 season tickets for the RedWolves are now on sale and the prices will remain the same as the previous two seasons. Season box seats are $135 each and general admission ticket books are $125 each and contain 25 tickets. As a special promo anyone buying a season box seat ticket before March 1 will be able to keep their box seat, at no extra charge, for any post season playoff games that the RedWolves may have.

The Coastal Plain League has changed the tournament format to a playoff format starting this season. This will allow teams to host games in their own parks during the post season if they finish in the top eight for the season. Winning a half will automatically qualify a team for post season play and winning the first half will guarantee that team to host the first round playoff game, which is single elimination. Rounds two and three will be best two out of three.

Davis Named 2008 CPL Coach of the Year

The Coastal Plain League announced today that Florence RedWolves head coach Wes Davis has been named the CPL Coach of the Year following the completion of the 2008 season.

Under the leadership of Davis, the RedWolves finished second in wins on the entire season with 37 and made it to the championship game of the 2008 CPL Petitt Cup Tournament. In the Petitt Cup, Florence made it to the last game through the winner’s bracket, but the third-seeded RedWolves fell to the top-seeded Thomasville HiToms, 7-4.

RedWolves notebook

The Florence RedWolves are proud to announce that Wes Davis will be returning as the head coach of the team for the 2009 season. Davis in his first season with the RedWolves led them to the first half Southern Division title and to the championship game of the Petitt Cup Tournament. Under Davis Florence tallied its most wins ever with 34 regular season wins and 37 overall. Davis along with Coach JT Severe coached the team to first in league ERA (2.97) and third in batting average (.268) both season best for the RedWolves.

RedWolves Notebook

With the RedWolves win last night, the team clinched the first half championship and a spot in the tournament for the 7th straight year. The RedWolves is the only team in the league that has qualified for the tournament all 7 years since the tournament format was started.

RedWolves notebook

Last year's catcher Christian Rosa from Tusculum College was signed yesterday by the Cardinals and sent to their single A team in Batavia, NY, the Muckdogs. He was a great kid and one of the fan favorites.