NORTHWOODS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: April 30, 2009

MVP Ramirez, Second Backstop Knudson Return to Mankato

(MANKATO, MN) The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club announced the return of two players for 2009. Junior catchers Carlos Ramirez from Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona) and Kyle Knudson from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota) have committed to play for the MoonDogs again this summer.

An extremely talented catcher, the 6’0’’ 210 lb. reigning Northwoods League MVP Ramirez is currently having a solid season offensively for the Sun Devils. His .315 average, 13 home runs, and 45 RBI are a big reason why ASU is currently 32-9 on the season and ranked #3 in the country. He has started all 41 games for ASU.

Last summer for the MoonDogs, Ramirez finished with a .315 average, 10 home runs, and 44 RBI in 57 games. In addition, he represented the North Division during the 2008 All-Star Game in Madison, WI. 

Knudson, a 6’3” 205 lb. junior, has started 37 games for the Golden Gophers (27-13 record) in 2009. He has shown good production both offensively and defensively, hitting .318 with 12 doubles, three home runs, and 30 RBI. 

During the summer of 2008 in Mankato, Knudson hit .275 with 8 doubles, one home run, and 22 RBI in 46 games, all while helping lead the MoonDogs to the First Half North Division Championship, and the first playoff appearance in team history. 

“We’re extremely happy to have both Carlos and Kyle coming back to Mankato for the 2009 Season,” said new MoonDogs Field Manger Mike Orchard. “They are both great competitors, and possess the tools to lead the MoonDogs back to the playoffs, and hopefully to a Northwoods League Championship this summer.”