Maverick for the Spring, MoonDog for the Summer

(Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of sophomore outfielder/pitcher Matt McMurtry, of Minnesota State University, Mankato.

McMurtry, (5’11”, 165) a North Platte, Neb. native, is a versatile player who will contribute to the 2004 MoonDogs from both the mound and in the outfield.

"We are really excited to have another of Maverick on our team. It has been a staple of the MoonDogs every year in our existence and Coach Bowyer really prepares these guys for us and the league,” said MoonDogs GM, Kyle Mrozek.

As a crafty left-hander, McMurtry started nine games and threw 51.1 innings for the MSU Mavericks in 2003, tying him for second on the team in both categories. He also lead the team with .800 winning percentage going 4-1 on the year. McMurtry started 11 games for the Mavs in the outfield showing impressive hitting skills as well with a .311 batting average.

This season for the Mavs, McMurtry has played in all four games, appearing twice on the mound and twice in the field. In his last appearance, he worked out of several jams against the perennial college power team of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. He surrendered only one run in over two innings of work, as the Mavs (1-3) went on to pick up their first win of the season 5-4.

"It will be a great asset, especially early in the season to have a guy with the ability to play multiple positions and understand the game as both a pitcher and a hitter,” said MoonDogs returning head coach, Brad Rupert.

College sports are nothing new to McMurtry as two of his siblings are playing at UL-Lafayette. His brother Danny is a pitcher, while his sister Becky plays third base.

The MoonDogs season is well underway and season tickets are now on sale. Call the MoonDogs ticket office at (507)-625-7047 for any of your MoonDogs needs, or check out the ’Dogs online at www.mankatomoondogs.com.

GO MOONDOGS!!!