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Published On: February 20th, 2006

(Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the return of two position players from the 2005 team. Junior OF Ryan Addison and C/1B Robert Rodebaugh, both from Elon University in North Carolina, have signed to play another season with the MoonDogs.

Spending the spring of 2005 at Young Harris College (Young Harris, GA), Addison showed great offensive prowess while helping the Mountain Lions to a school record 52 wins. Addison slugged out 70 hits, good for a .350 batting average and had 22 stolen bases. Highlighting his season with a 13-game hitting streak, Addison’s skills made him a perfect fit for the MoonDogs.

With his highly-trained eye at the plate, great speed in the field and durability to play such an intensive schedule, the MoonDogs were excited to bring Addison onboard. Tying for the team lead in games played (57), ranking second in hits (52) and third in at-bats (195), Addison’s 2005 campaign made extending a contract for a second season an easy choice.

After the ’05 season concluded, Addison transferred from Young Harris to Elon University where he continued his tutelage under former MoonDogs coach Robbie Huffstetler. Joining Addison and Huffstetler at Elon, was another 2005 MoonDog, Robert Rodebaugh, who transferred from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina.

"Ryan and Robert both exhibit that hard-nosed work ethic that it takes to win in the Northwoods League,” MoonDogs coach Jason Nell said. "It’s evident in their production from last year, we know that Robert can hit for power and average and Ryan can put the ball on the ground and use his speed. With another season as teammates this spring and the quality coaching they are receiving at Elon, I’m genuinely excited to see what they can do again this summer.”

In 2005, Rodebaugh ranked second on the squad in slugging (.441) and tied for third in average (.279), homeruns (5) and runs scored (25). Asking the junior transfer back for a second season was another easy decision for coach Nell and the MoonDogs.

With his defensive skills both behind the plate and at first base and his offensive power, the MoonDogs are looking for Rodebaugh to provide veteran leadership in the 2006 season.

"Both Rodebaugh and Addison played the game the right way, with passion and determination on the field. At the same time, their commitment to being active members of the community and liaisons for MoonDogs baseball was truly remarkable,” MoonDog general manager Kyle Mrozek said.

The MoonDogs begin play on June 1, 2006 against the Waterloo Bucks in Waterloo, IA before returning home for Opening Night in Mankato on Friday, June 2. For your chance to be at opening night and all the other MoonDogs home games, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information please go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047.