RALEIGH, N.C. - The Coastal Plain League announced today that the 2009 All-Star Game will be hosted by the Wilmington Sharks on July 21, 2009 at Buck Hardee Field in Wilmington, North Carolina.



The All-Star Game festivities will begin on Monday, July 20, when the Sharks will host the All-Star Fan Fest and Home Run Derby. Fans will have the chance to meet both CPL All-Star teams during that time, and then look on as 16 of the best hitters in the league battle it out in the annual Home Run Derby.



“We are very happy to name the Wilmington Sharks and the City of Wilmington as hosts for our 2009 All-Star Game,” said League President and Commissioner Pete Bock. “The Handelsmans, Conor (Caloia), Chris (Reavis), Ric (Sisler) and their staff have done a wonderful job in a short time and we look forward to all that the Sharks have in store for our All-Stars and fans. We feel that the whole event will be a great success!”



On Tuesday, July 21, the All-Stars will be treated to a special luncheon before a busy afternoon and evening that includes Major League Scout Day activities and then the playing of the 2009 CPL All-Star Game.



“The Sharks are honored and excited to host the 2009 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game in Wilmington,” said Director of Operations, Conor Caloia.

“This two-day event will be a great opportunity to showcase the City of Wilmington and the brand of affordable, family fun we provide at the “Shark Tank”.”



The Sharks hosted the CPL’s inaugural All-Star Game back on July 14, 1999 between the East and West All-Stars. The East All-Stars won that affair by the score of 6-3. Fans may also remember a couple of names ? Kevin Youkilis and Dallas McPherson - who played in the 1999 CPL All-Star Game and later went on to be Major Leaguers. Youkilis, the starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, has since won two World Series Championships with the Red Sox, as well as a Rawlings Gold Glove in 2007. Meanwhile, McPherson made his debut with the LA Angels of Anaheim in 2004 and is now playing third base for the Florida Marlins.



For more information regarding the 2009 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game in Wilmington, N.C., please contact Conor Caloia at (910) 343-5621 or visit the Sharks on the web at www.wilmingtonsharks.com. More information will be posted on the league website, www.coastalplain.com as the event draws closer.



The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league, heading into its 13th season. Featuring 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the CPL is certified by Major League Baseball, and gives college players the chance to refine their skills with wooden bats during the summer months. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.

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