For Immediate Release                                                         Contact: Delilah Anders
April 23, 2008                                                                                       (804) 722-0141

Generals Attract Local Players

            PETERSBURG, VA – The Petersburg Generals have announced the signing of four student-athletes with high school ties to the Richmond/Tri-Cities area.

            With players coming from all across the country to play in Petersburg, the local players have several advantages, including, familiarity with the area and more importantly the ability to live at home.

            The players who are staying close to home and play for the Petersburg Generals include: Matt Edwards – Midlothian High School (’05), Daniel Wood – Hermitage High School (’05), Matt Laney – LC Bird (’07), and Kyle Fleming – Louisa County High School (’05).

            Edwards, 5-11, 195, is a red-shirt sophomore right-handed pitcher who attends Virginia Military Institute and resides in Midlothian, VA.  Edwards sat out the 2007 season because of Tommy John arm surgery.  Currently, Edwards has posted a 0.77 ERA in seven appearances and a 1-0 record for the Keydets.

            Wood, 6-3, 185, is a red-shirt sophomore left-handed pitcher who also attends Virginia Military Institute along with Edwards, and is a resident of Glen Allen, VA.  Wood is no stranger to the Petersburg Generals, where he pitched in the summer of 2007. 

            Laney, 6-4, 250, is a true freshman left-handed pitcher from East Carolina University whose hometown is Chesterfield, VA.  Laney has seen some innings as a starter and reliever for the Pirates so far this season.  This big-framed lefty has a lot of potential and could be seen in both positions for Generals this summer.

            Fleming, 6-0, 195, is a junior outfielder/designated hitter from Army who lives in Louisa, VA.  In 2007, Fleming’s season was shortened by a knee injury.  Currently, Fleming has seen action as a corner outfielder and has a .375 batting average for Army.  Due to summer classes at Army, Fleming will not be seen in the Generals’ pinstripes for the full summer.

            “It is great to have local guys on your team so that they can play in front of family and friends.  These players will have an impact on our depth and will contribute to our team in many ways” stated assistant coach Ryan Leary.               

The Petersburg Generals are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league.  Celebrating its twelfth season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats.  Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and host.  For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com.  For more information on the Petersburg Generals please visit www.petersburgsports.com or call (804) 722-0141.