Wilmington- The Wilmington Sharks Baseball Club signed two players from Western Carolina University today.  Catcher Blake Murphy along with left handed pitcher Brandon McDowell will join the team this summer.

            Freshman Blake Murphy is a 6`1`` and 205 pound catcher with a strong bat.  He attended Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC where he was awarded Western North Carolina Player of the Year in 2003.  Murphy was also named the 2003 Mountain Athletic Conference MVP; All-Conference in 2002 and 2003; Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2002 and 2003; and All-State in 2003.  The New York Yankees drafted Murphy in 2003 in the 37^th round.

            Lefty Brandon McDowell is a 6`2`` and 205 pound junior that also plays first base.  He played summer baseball in Washington D.C. in 2002.  McDowell attended Franklin High School in Franklin, NC where he was awarded All-Regional Team in 2000.

            Season tickets are now on sale!  For more information please visit our website at www.wilmingtonsharks.com or call us at 343-5621.

            The Sharks home opener will be Thursday June 3^rd at Buck-Hardee Field at Legion Stadium against the Wilson Tobs.  For ticket or group outing information please call (910) 343-5621.  The Coastal Plain League is comprised of 12 teams in NC, SC, and VA with rosters comprised of outstanding college players from across the country.  It is one of the nation`s top collegiate summer leagues and is sanctioned by the NCAA and Major League Baseball.