The Wilmington Sharks announced today that this year’s Toys for Tots Toy Drive was an overwhelming success. 

The toy drive, which began on November 15^th and ended Tuesday at the drop location of Wilmington Orthopaedic, collected over two boxes full of toys.

“We could not be happier with the amount of donated toys for this worthy cause,” said Andrew Aguilar, general manager of the Sharks.  “Not only were we able to garner a good amount of donated toys, but we also know several needy children will have a Happy Christmas thanks to the wonderful people of the community.”

Aguilar added, “We would like to give a big thank you to Wilmington Orthodaedic for opening their doors as a drop off location.  Without their support this toy drive would not have been as successful.”

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.  The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.

The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced they have signed three players from their 2011 ball club that advanced to the second round of the CPL Playoffs.  Infielders: Alex Freedman, Justyn Carter, and Jake Mayers.

Alex Freedman            Justyn Carter                   Jake Mayers          
Second Baseman              Shortstop                      Third Baseman           

Freedman a redshirt freshman returns to Wilmington this summer, marking his second season of collegiate summer baseball.  In 2011 with the Sharks, Freedman started all 52 games, hitting for an average of .280.  Freedman was fourth on the team with seven doubles, while driving in 23 runs on the season.

A two-time CPL All-star, Carter returns to the Sharks after a successful season last summer.  Carter led the team with a .294 average and runs scored with 43.  Carter led the Sharks with 23 stolen bases in 27 attempts.

A junior at the University of Richmond, Mayers a 2011 CPL All-star makes his way back to Wilmington and the Sharks in 2012.  During the course of the 2011 season Mayers was a big part of the ball club not only offensively, but also as a pitcher.  Mayers, hit for a .286 average to go along with finishing third on the team with two home runs.  As pitcher, Mayers started seven games, going 2-3 with a 3.95 ERA over 43.1 innings of work.