Madison, WI – February 19, 2009. The Mallards are excited to announce the team has signed NC State freshman infielder Harold Riggins for the 2009 season. Riggins, last measured at 6’3” 280 lbs, is a product out of Normal West High School (IL), where he hit .447 with 14 doubles, a school single-season high eight home runs, and 25 RBIs in 37 games his senior season. That same year he was invited to play in the Area Code Games, a showcase for the nation’s best talent with scouts from every major league organization and some 80 colleges in attendance. He also participated in the 2007 Pitch & Hit Club of Chicago High School baseball showcase, highlighting the highest-level amateur baseball talent in Illinois. As a junior Riggins batted .342 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs. Both years he was named to the Big 12 Conference First-Team. Harold was selected in the 35th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox.

Mallards Manager C.J. Thieleke strongly believes that Riggins is one of the most powerful right-handed hitters in the nation’s 2009 freshman class.

“Every college and summer league coach is always in search of a reliable power hitter, and so we’re very excited in that we think Harold fits that profile perfectly,” said Thieleke.

“No matter where he was playing he always seemed to raise his performance to match the level of competition. This sign is always a telling sign of how successful a kid will be in moving up the baseball ranks.”

Thieleke added that Riggins should benefit greatly given the opportunity to play close to home.

“Anytime a youngster has the chance to play in front of friends and family it’s a huge boost for his confidence and overall comfort level,” said Thieleke.

“Former Mallard and current NC State teammate Drew Martin told me recently that Harold is the most exciting player to watch in batting practice, so we can’t wait for him to put on a show for our fans this summer in the batter’s box.”