The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced the hiring of Nate Mueske (Mess-key) as their new Director of Operations.

The Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League (CPL) announced the hiring of Andrew Aguilar as general manager. The 36-year old Laramie, Wyoming native brings more than twelve years of professional baseball experience to the Sharks’ organization.

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.

That's right, there are only six more Sharks games left in the 2009 season. Then it is back home, back to school, back to real life off of this enchanted isle we call summer baseball.

While a winning season it has not been, and enchanting may be a bit too romantic, it has definitely been quite a season. However, the time for reminiscing is not yet here, though never  fear that blog will come, but for now there is still some business yet to be taken care of during this last stretch of games.

For instance, with tonight's game as the first, the Sharks have two more games to try and make it a five hundred season against the Florence Redwolves. Also playing for divisional pride, the Sharks can extend their season series lead over the Columbia Blowfish as they visit the "Shark Tank" once more on the last day of the season.

On a more personal note, Jesse Bosnik is still within close shouting distance of the league hit crown. The St. Bonaventure Bonny is seven back with 57 base knocks on the season.

Starters Daniel Cropper and J.C. Casey both are looking at possible top 10 finishes in the league ERA standings. Cropper is also on the strike out leader board with 63 punch outs while with one more start J.C. will be back in the lead in innings pitched league wide.

Meanwhile a couple of relievers are playing out the string with some scoreless innings streaks. Hunter Ford has not allowed a run this month stringing together 10 plus innings of scoreless ball. His fellow bull-pen mate Sean Toler hasn't allowed an earned run in his last six appearances for a total of ten and one third innings with just three unearned runs and nine strike outs.

So while the Sharks post season lamps were dimmed by losses, there is still a bright week of America's past time ahead for all things Shark baseball. Join us won't you?

-JW