February 6, 2007

RIVER RATS SIGN DODGERS PROSPECT KEON GRAVES;
SLUGGER IS BASEBALL AMERICA'S JUCO PLAYER OF THE YEAR

NEW BERN, NC—The River Rats have signed third baseman Keon Graves of Spartanburg Methodist Junior College, Baseball America's selection as the top prospect in the Coastal Plain League in 2006 and BA's 2007 Junior College preseason Player of the Year.

"Keon is a complete player who can help us with his bat, his glove, and his speed," said River Rats Vice President Buddy Bengel.  "Our fans will enjoy watching one of the premier prospects in the country and we can't wait to welcome him to New Bern."

With the Coastal Plain League's Spartanburg Stingers in 2006, Graves hit .278 with five doubles, two triples, five home runs, 24 RBI and 16 stolen bases.  Following the season, Baseball America named him the CPL's top prospect, stating, "An outstanding athlete with a loose, wiry frame, Graves showed flashes of brilliance at the plate and in the field."  The magazine added that Graves "has shown an ability to make dazzling plays at the hot corner thanks to his smooth actions and strong arm."

In 2004, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Graves in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

"I am extremely pleased with the signing of a player the caliber of Keon," said River Rats head coach Darin Vaughan.  "We expect great things from him this summer. His past accomplishments are tremendous. I hope the River Rats and our coaching staff can assist him in developing his play to reach his ultimate goals."

The 6-foot-3, 190 lb. sophomore is entering his first season at Spartanburg Methodist College after transferring from Coastal Carolina University.  The Spartanburg Methodist Pioneers open their 2007 season on Saturday against the Truett-McConnell Bears.

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.  All 57 games can be heard on the Meinke Car Care Center Broadcasts on ESPN Radio 1490 AM. 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.