Current SwampDog Shawn Pleffner Selected in MLB Entry Draft
Published on June 7, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Fayetteville SwampDogs News Release
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Current Fayetteville SwampDogs rightfielder and first baseman Shawn Pleffner was selected in the 26th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball Entry Draft by the Washington Nationals on Tuesday evening.
It's the first time being drafted for Pleffner, a rising senior at the University of Tampa. He was pick number 707 overall.
"It's a very surreal moment in my life," said Pleffner. "I've always hoped for a chance to play in the big leagues, and this is just another step in that direction."
Pleffner is just the latest player to play with the SwampDogs and be selected in the MLB Entry Draft. Two of those players to play under current head coach Darrell Handelsman have reached the big leagues, including Andy Dirks for the Detroit Tigers earlier this season.
"He's a very talented young man with a lot of tools and a great frame," said Handelsman of Pleffner. "He can run, hit, throw, and is a big left-handed power bat - a very good player."
"I've had a good relationship with members of the Nationals organization thus far," said Pleffner when asked about his communication with Washington. "I'm looking forward to the next step in the process," said Pleffner.
"We're excited for whatever comes next for him," said Handelsman. "That's the goal we want for everyone that comes through here - to one day move on to the next level."
The final day of the 2011 MLB Entry Draft will commence at noon on Wednesday, as teams will make selections in rounds 31-50.
The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 11th season in the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players a chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had more than 800 alums drafted and 44 alums make their major league debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via twitter (at cpleague).
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