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Published On: April 21st, 2008

(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two new players for 2008. Sophomore catchers Carlos Ramirez from Chandler Gilbert Community College (Chandler, Arizona) and Kyle Knudson from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota) have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

Ramirez, a 5’11” 196 lb. sophomore, is having an excellent 2008 season. An extremely talented catcher, he is second on the team in batting average (.383), doubles (13) and RBI (38). He has also added five home runs and 16 runs. Defensively, Ramirez has committed only three errors in 40 games played.

"Carlos is a great all-around catcher who has the talent to be a dual threat offensively and defensively,” said MoonDogs field manager Jason Nell. "He’ll have big shoes to fill after Ben Geelan (University of Iowa) was our starting catcher the last three years. However, Carlos is someone who will take control and be someone you can count on day-in and day-out.”

Last year for the Coyotes, Ramirez finished with a .378 average, two home runs, and 23 RBI. In addition, he has signed with Arizona State University, who is currently ranked second in Baseball America’s Top 25 Poll, and will begin play with the Sun Devils in 2009.

Knudson, a 6’3” 210 lb. sophomore, has started 26 games for the Golden Gophers in 2008. He has shown good production both offensively and defensively this season. His offensive statistics to date include 16 RBI, 12 runs, and 2 triples.

"We’re very excited to get Kyle from such a solid program like the Gophers,” said MoonDogs field manager Jason Nell. "With the success of past Gopher players in Mankato, we feel very confident Kyle will be able to step-in and do a great job.”

Before joining the Gophers last year, Knudson graduated from Maple Grove Senior High School in 2006 where he holds school records for career hits, home runs and RBI.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for Friday, May 30 against the Rochester Honkers. Single game tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 10 at 10:00 AM. To be 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.