Landon Powell, a catcher for the Oakland Athletics, the 24th overall pick in 2004, and a former Wilmington Shark made his Major League debut on Saturday.

With his debut, Powell became the 32nd Coastal Plain League alumnus to make it to the big leagues, and the first of the 2009 MLB season. He is only the second former Shark to do so, the first being Tom Mastny, who spent the 2002 summer in Wilmington.

His success has not come without struggle. After tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, Powell missed the whole 2005 season. Later in 2007, he suffered another knee injury that ended his season in July. He had another knee injury in August of 2008. In January, Powell collapsed after working out and after four days in the hospital doctors discovered that he had autoimmune hepatitis - a chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks liver cells. The disease is treatable with every day medication.

 Powell continued to work hard and in Spring training, his hard work paid off - he earned a spot on the A's roster.

"I'm excited," Powell told MLB.com's Eric Gilmore. "I've been waiting a long time, it feels like. Especially with the things I've had to go through the last couple years. "Sometimes you feel like you might never get a chance to play in the big leagues, that this time might never come. I've been really fortunate to be able to make it here." 

 As a member of the Wilmington Sharks in 2001, Powell finished the season batting .264 with four doubles, five runs scored and 12 RBIs in 30 games played. He also tallied 27 total bases and slugged .310 overall. Powell was also named to the South All-Star team.

 

The Wilmington Sharks are members of the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. In 2008 the Sharks drew more than 50,000 fans to the “Shark Tank” for an average of 1,650 per game. For more information on tickets, merchandise or advertising opportunities please call (910) 343.5621 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Opening day is on May 28th, and will be played against the Columbia Blowfish. Game time is at 7p.m. and gates open at 6p.m. The first 1,000 fans will receive Sharks magnet schedules presented by Project Assist and QuitlineNC.com