BLUE CRABS INK THREE TO KICK OFF 2017 SIGNINGS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feburary 2, 2017
Contact: Erin Killian
301-374-1125
smbcmedia@somdbluecrabs.com

Newcomer Runion Joins Brown and Wilson, Who Will Return

(Waldorf, MD – Feb. 2, 2017) – The Blue Crabs and first-year manager John Harris have started construction of the 10th anniversary season team with the signings of outfielder Gray Brown, infielder Zach Wilson, and right-handed pitcher Sam Runion.

Gary Brown returns to Southern Maryland for a second season after posting a strong end to his Atlantic League debut campaign. The speedy outfielder hit .249 for the season. After a midseason stint on the disabled list, Brown posted a .294 batting average becoming a regular in the leadoff spot in the second half. His stellar defense became an incredible asset in center field, as the 28-year-old posted a .986 fielding percentage with only five errors.

Zach Wilson returns for his third season in a Blue Crabs uniform. The infielder was named the inaugural Bill Wootan MVP Award winner presented by the Blue Crabs Booster Club. Wilson earned the title after posting a .278 batting average, while leading the team in RBI (70) and doubles (34). He played the third most games (130) in addition to being in the top three in runs scored, at-bats, hits, and home runs. The 26-year-old joined the team originally in 2015, where he primarily played first base with some time logged in the outfield.

Sam Runion is a 2007 second round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals out of A. C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, NC. After a trip through the Royals organization, the 28-year-old signed with Tampa and was traded to Washington in 2014 where he played in the Nationals Class-A Advanced, AA, and AAA affiliates through the 2016 season. In 2016, the right-hander posted a 5.75 ERA in 24 games with Syracuse with a 1.389 Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched (WHIP). This will be Runion’s first season with an Atlantic League team.

“We’re excited to start building the 2017 roster,” said John Harris. “Zach and Gary were key pieces too last year’s team and we are very excited to have them return and hit the ground running. Sam looks to be a big part of our bullpen and we are happy to have him join us this season.”

The Blue Crabs open up the 2017 season on April 20th in Waldorf, MD versus the Long Island Ducks. For information regarding tickets and other team news, visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com or call 301-638-9788.

About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs – The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of minor league baseball. Atlantic League players are “Major League-ready” and over the last 20 years, more than 600 players have advanced from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the Atlantic League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland. The franchise will look to open its tenth season on Thursday April 20th, 2017. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDbluecrabs.com for more information and to reserve your seat at the ballpark today! 

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) – The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. For more information, please visit http://www.AtlanticLeague.com###