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Published On: March 24th, 2009

NWL MVP Ramirez, Knudson Returning in 2009

(Mankato, MN)–The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the return of two players for 2009. Junior catchers Carlos Ramirez from Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona) and Kyle Knudson from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, Minnesota) have committed to play for the MoonDogs again this summer.

An extremely talented catcher, the 6’0’’ 210 lb. reigning Northwoods League MVP Ramirez is currently having a solid season offensively for the Sun Devils. His .303 average, 8 home runs, and 25 RBI are a big reason why ASU is currently 16-3 on the season and ranked #4 in the country. Defensively, he has yet to commit an error while starting all 19 games played.

Last summer for the MoonDogs, Ramirez finished with a .315 average, 10 home runs, and 44 RBI in 57 games. In addition, he represented the North Division during the 2008 All-Star Game in Madison, WI.

Knudson, a 6’3” 205 lb. junior, has started 17 games for the #25 ranked Golden Gophers (13-6 record) in 2009. He has shown good production both offensively and defensively, hitting .314 with 8 doubles, 1 home run, and 13 RBI, while committing just 1 error behind the plate.

During the summer of 2008 in Mankato, Knudson hit .275 with 8 doubles, 1 home run, and 22 RBI in 46 games, all while helping lead the MoonDogs to the First Half North Division Championship, and the first playoff appearance in team history.

"We’re extremely happy to have both Carlos and Kyle coming back to Mankato for the 2009 Season,” said new MoonDogs Field Manger Mike Orchard. "They are both great competitors, and possess the tools to lead the MoonDogs back to the playoffs, and hopefully to a Northwoods League championship this summer.”

The Mankato MoonDogs 2009 Home Opener is set for Friday, May 29 at 7:05 PM against the Rochester Honkers. Single game tickets will go on sale May 2nd at 10:00 AM. To be part of all the exciting MoonDogs action this summer, pick up your season tickets on sale now, along with group and hospitality tickets for all your event needs. For more information visit the team website at www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.