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The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) today announced they have hired Ryan McCleney as their field manager for the 2012 season.
 McCleney returns to Wilmington after spending the 2011 season as an assistant coach with the Sharks. The Sharks finished with a record of 32-30 and earned the No. 7 seed in 2011 Petitt Cup Playoffs, marking the first time since 2003 that the organization has made the postseason. The Sharks won their first series against the Fayetteville SwampDogs, which was the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. The Sharks fell to the No. 1 seed in the playoffs and No. 1 ranked team in the nation, the Edenton Steamers, during the second round.
“I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to join a successful and proud organization such as the Wilmington Sharks,” said McCleney. “I am really excited as we are in the process of building a talented coaching staff and team. I am looking forward to working with all of the wonderful host families and the terrific sponsors throughout the summer”.
Currently an assistant baseball coach at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, McCleney’s responsibilities include working with the defense, offense, recruitment of student-athletes, coordinating camps, and field maintenance.
In the spring of 2011, the Braves started out as the 30th ranked team in the NCAA Division II baseball poll. Finishing the season with a record of 44-12, the Braves rose to No. 3 nationally in the NCAA Division II national poll. This was the best ranking in the history of the Brave’s baseball program. In the spring of 2011, the Braves ranked near the top of the Peach Belt Conference in almost every offensive and pitching category. The Braves led the conference in slugging percentage, doubles, homeruns, and runs scored. The Braves finished in the top 20 nationally in runs scored, hits, doubles, homeruns, stolen bases, and slugging percentage. In the spring of 2011, UNCP won the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.
“Ryan is a hard worker who loves baseball and knows what it takes to produce a successful team,” said Andrew Aguilar, General Manager. “I am excited to see what style of team he will put on the field this summer; it should be a very competitive team”!
From 2006-2010 McCleney played baseball at Barton College in Wilson, NC. During his four years, he started at every position in the infield. In 2010 McCleney was named team captain for the year and also received the William P. Nixon Endowment Scholarship, which is given to the player that demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to the program.
The Whiteville, NC native began coaching in baseball with Whiteville Post 137 legion team in 2009. McCleney assisted Coach Dean Sasser with infielders, outfielders, catchers, hitters, and base runners. McCleney also served as the third base coach and helped lead the team to a second place finish in Area 2. |
