(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the return of the 2007 Northwoods League Silver Slugger (batting average) award winner. Junior third baseman Nate Hanson from the University of Minnesota, has signed to play in his third season with the MoonDogs.

Hanson, a 6’0” 200 lb. junior, was either recognized or received an award for his outstanding play seven different times in 2007 that included being named Most Valuable Player of the 2007 Northwoods League All-Star Game. Offensively, he led the MoonDogs in five different categories that included batting average (.363), hits (74), doubles (16), home runs (5), and slugging percentage (.515) and was second in runs (27) and RBI (28). In addition, he set a MoonDogs single season batting average record (.363) and broke the MoonDogs career doubles record (25). Defensively, he was the best at third base in the Northwoods League and was awarded the Rawlings Silver Glove for committing only 7 errors in 162 chances (.957 fielding percentage).

"Nate will only be the third MoonDog player ever to come back for a third year,” said MoonDogs general manager Kyle Mrozek. "He is someone that continues to grow and excel as both a baseball player and a person and the accolades he has received prove it. He will bring great leadership both on and off the field that will help the entire team this season.”

This year, Hanson was already named to the Perfect Game Crosschecker list of players who are projected to have breakout seasons in the 2008 college baseball season. Currently, Hanson leads the Big Ten Conference in doubles (19), third in hits (56) and fourth in total bases (81). For the Golden Gophers he ranks in the top three in numerous offensive categories.

At the conclusion of the 2007 season with the Golden Gophers he was named First-Team All-Big Ten third baseman and First-Team All-Region as a sophomore. He also led the Golden Gophers in home runs (10), RBI (51), was second in runs (50), and was third in slugging percentage (.533) and doubles (14).

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.