FL Washington Wild Things

Wild Things Sign Third Baseman and Outfielder

Published on January 23, 2007 under Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


Washington, PA - The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Federal Savings Bank, announced they have signed 3B Robbie Knapp and OF Matt Sutton.

Knapp, a native of Branford, FL, joins the Wild Things after playing with the Kansas City T-Bones of the Independent Northern League, following an All-American season at Erskine (SC) College in 2006. He batted .250 in 76 at-bats with one home run and 10 RBI for the T-Bones.

Knapp was a first-team All-CVAC selection and a third-team NCAA Division II All-American in 2006 after hitting .371 with 17 homers and 79 RBI for Erskine (SC) College. In his three years at Erskine, Knapp batted .346 and set the school's career records for home runs (45) and total bases (436), and ranks second all-time with 188 RBI.

"Robbie is an athletic player who could win a spot at third or first or even the outfield. He's a rookie with some pro experience in the Northern League," said John Massarelli, field manager for the Wild Things.

Sutton becomes the fifth former Coastal Carolina University player to sign with the Wild Things following Randy McGarvey, Ryan McGraw, Chris Carter, and Brett Grandstrand. The LaGrange, NC native led the Chanticleers with 12 home runs, 38 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in 2006 to go along with a .274 batting average in 51 games.

Prior to Coastal Carolina Sutton played two seasons at UNC Wilmington. He was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association Second Team in 2003 and 2004, and he was named a Second Team Freshman All-American by Baseball America. Sutton hit .328 with 12 home runs and 50 runs-batted-in for 2003, and he had 25 doubles in two seasons at UNCW. Sutton also appeared in 22 games on the mound for the Seahawks, striking out 43 batters in 59.2 innings.

"Matt has some pop in his bat, and because of his strong arm, I see him competing for a spot in the outfield," added Massarelli. "We like the Coastal Carolina guys because they teach base running, which is something we definitely emphasize in Washington."

The Wild Things, who play in the Independent Frontier League of professional baseball, open the 2007 season on May 23rd at home when they welcome the league's newest team, the Slippery Rock Sliders to Washington. Season and group ticket packages are available. Check the Wild Things website (www.washingtonwildthings.com) for the latest news and schedule information.

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Frontier League Stories from January 23, 2007


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