January 29, 2007

'05 RAT CHRIS POWELL HONORED AT ECU;
#23 JERSEY HONORS LECLAIR

ECU Junior Chris Powell; photo courtesy of ECU Media Relations

GREENVILLE, NC—Chris Powell, a member of the inaugural 2005 River Rats and now a junior at East Carolina University, has been selected to wear the number 23 jersey honoring former ECU head baseball coach Keith LeClair.  "The number is awarded annually to a deserving player who best displays the hustle, determination and desire that made LeClair a great coach and player," according to ECU's website.

About the River Rats:

The New Bern River Rats baseball club is a member of the Coastal Plain League, a high-profile wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league.  The team will open the 2007 season on Wednesday, May 30 against the Wilmington Sharks at New Bern High School’s Boykin Field.  The team’s official website is www.NewBernRiverRats.com.

About the Coastal Plain League:

The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 10th anniversary season, the CPL is the largest summer league in the country, featuring 15 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.