(Mankato, MN)—The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two new players for 2006. Sophomore Ben Geelan from the University of Iowa, along with junior Dan Klous of South Dakota State University have both committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

As a freshman catcher in 2005, behind Kris Welker who started 109 of 112 games in his final two years at Iowa, Geelan saw limited action in the field but gained valuable experience from the veterans on the team. However, Geelan was one of two Hawkeyes to both pitch and play in the field; skills he showcased his senior year at Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona, Iowa.

In 2004, Geelan demonstrated those abilities both at the plate and on the mound as he hit .564 with 16 homeruns, 62 RBI and stole 15 bases. If the threat of his bat wasn’t enough, on the mound he was nearly untouchable going 8-1 with a .91 ERA, while striking out 128 batters.

"Ben is a very solid player in every facet of the game. His defense behind the dish, his knowledge of situations and his offensive power make him very dangerous,” MoonDogs coach Jason Nell said. "I’m excited to see what he can do playing everyday at Iowa this year and can’t wait for the summer when I get a chance to work with him.”

Joining Geelan as part of the MoonDogs for the upcoming season is Dan Klous. Klous began his junior year this fall at South Dakota State University, after spending two years at Iowa Central Community College. ICCC, which has become a powerhouse in junior college baseball, had a national record five straight NJCAA World Series appearances from 2000-2004, along with garnering Region XI and NW District champions accolades those same years.

As a member of 2003 team, which placed second in the in the NJCAA World Series, Klous had a record of 7-4 while whiffing 84 batters. He ranked second on the team in innings, piling up 84 as well as second in complete games with 4 that season. Last season, he ranked third on the Triton’s team in wins (5), ERA (3.18) and strikeouts (54).

"I’ve had the privilege of watching Danny pitch the last two seasons and he is just a lights out kind of kid. He makes good use of his size, strength and ability to throw all three pitches with accuracy,” Nell said. "He’s a great kid who is very disciplined and will be an impact player for us.”

ICCC has also placed other standouts in the Northwoods League over the past few seasons. 2003 All-Star Justin Sokol pitched for the Border Cats in their inaugural season, while last season’s "Honker of the Year” Dan Lyons set offensive records along with being named a Rawlings Silver Glove winner in Rochester.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 2, 2006 against the Waterloo Bucks. To be a part of all the MoonDogs action this summer, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs ticket office at 507-625-7047.

MANKATO MOONDOGS — BASEBALL UNLEASHED!