The Sharks have a lot to live up to during the 2010 season. Coming off a season which the "Shark Tank" hosted the 2009 CPL All Star Game and the team receiving the honor of CPL Organization of the Year, last summer leaves some big shoes to fill.

Fans have become accustomed to the Sharks as a staple of family, affordable entertainment in Wilmington since 1997. Each year the Sharks introduce something new and exciting for the community to enjoy. There are also numerous promotions that the Sharks will welcome back again, like the ever-popular Thirsty Thursdays.

With Tom Fleenor (South Carolina-Sumter) at the helm on the field the Sharks are anxious to return to their winning ways. 

Off the field the bar has been set high for the Sharks and they are ready to jump over the bar, reaching new heights for the 2010 season.

For more information about the Sharks, the 2010 roster and upcoming events stay tuned to wilmingtonsharks.com

The Wilmington Sharks have released their schedule for the 2010 season. The regular season starts on Wednesday, May 26th and runs through Monday, August 2nd. The league’s annual All-Star Fan Fest and All-Star Game will be on July 19th and 20th. The location of the 2010 CPL All-Star Game will be announced in the near future.

The Wilmington Sharks will open their 2010 home schedule on Thursday, May 27th hosting the newest CPL franchise, the Morehead City Marlins. The Sharks will begin their season on the road in Asheboro on May 26th, against the Copperheads. The Sharks will end the first half of the season at home when they host the Thomasville HiToms on June 28th. The final regular season home game is scheduled for Sunday, August 1st against the Columbia Blowfish.

The Sharks 2010 schedule features a total of 18 games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights including nine “Thirsty Thursdays.” In addition to 28 CPL games at the “Shark Tank” the Sharks will also be hosting three exhibition games for a total of 31 home dates in 2010. Please stay tuned to wilmingtonsharks.com for information on additional events.

RALEIGH, N.C - Sabrina Bengel, President of Riverfront Sports & Entertainment, Inc. along with Pete Bock, President and Commissioner of the Coastal Plain League announced today that Morehead City (N.C.) will be the newest city to welcome a Coastal Plain League franchise. The Morehead City Marlins will be the 15th franchise in the Coastal Plain League.

"We as a league are very excited about the Morehead City franchise coming on board, Bock said. "We believe that this will be a tremendous market for our league and for the team. The league has been very active with team officials and the City on the development of the new facility. It is exciting to be a part of bringing baseball to Morehead City and we look forward to them being an exciting new addition to the Coastal Plain League.

WILMINGTON, N.C – The Wilmington Sharks have hired Tom Fleenor as Head Coach for the 2010 Coastal Plain League season.  Fleenor, an accomplished summer collegiate coach, led the Battle Creek Bombers of the Northwoods League to a 37-30 record in 2009.  He is currently the Head Coach at the University of South Carolina-Sumter. He directed the FireAnts to a 52-11 record and the Region X Title in the program’s second year of existence. Throughout Fleenor’s career, he has coached over 70 players that have gone on to sign professionally. This includes two first-round draft picks and seven players that have reached the Major Leagues.

“We are proud to bring an experienced and proven Head Coach to Wilmington,” Owner/ Director of Operations Conor Caloia said. “We are committed to winning and continuing to provide a great show for our fans at the “Shark Tank.” Tom is the perfect fit to bring us a winner on the field as we continue to provide affordable, family fun to the greater Wilmington community.”

“I am extremely excited to join the Wilmington Sharks family and the CPL,” Fleenor said. “I was ready for a new challenge and I am thankful for the opportunity to do that in Wilmington.”

Wilmington Sharks named 2009 Coastal Plain League Organization of the Year

WILMINGTON, N.C – The Coastal Plain League announced today that the Wilmington Sharks have been selected as the 2009 CPL Organization of the Year.

“My partners, Lew and Darrell Handelsman, and I are extremely honored and excited about this award," said Wilmington owner and Director of Operations Conor Caloia. “There are many deserving teams across the league that had a great summer and we are thrilled that our efforts at the “Shark Tank” were recognized. Our season would not have been possible without the support of our great fans, sponsors and our wonderful host families. Finally, this award is a tribute to the efforts of our staff, including the best group of interns in summer collegiate baseball.”

“I would especially like to thank the City of Wilmington and Mayor Saffo, (Recreation Manager) Amy Beatty and (Facilities Manager) Billy Whitehurst for their great partnership and continued support at Buck Hardee Field,” Caloia said.

The Sharks were selected after team owners, general managers, head coaches, players, umpires, and league officials voted on various areas of concentration regarding the past season. Under the leadership of Caloia, Wilmington made a commitment to improvement in 2009, and it showed throughout the regular season. The Sharks received high grades in many different categories, including – but not limited to – concessions, CPL WebPass broadcast, after-game meals, ballpark appearance, pocket schedule, strong communication with league office, teams, and umpires; and exhibiting a true, positive relationship with the community.