The SwampDogs are proud to welcome Francis Marion University’s Jeffrey Stoner and Gary Ashcraft (photos courtesy of Francis Marion sports information) to the 2012 squad. Both right-handed pitchers will spend their first summer in the Coastal Plain League with Fayetteville.

Stoner boasted a perfect 9-0 record in 2011, alongside a brilliant 2.40 ERA. The sophomore workhorse made 11 starts in 15 appearances for the FMU Patriots, and was second on the team with 78.2 innings pitched. The 6-4, 230-pound Martinez, Ga., native went to Lakeside High School and is majoring in business at FMU.

Ashcraft, a junior, joined the Patriots this year as a transfer from Southern Union State Community College. The 6-2, 215-pound native of Owens Cross Roads, Ala., went to Huntsville High School. Last season, he went 9-1 in 14 games at SUSCC. Ashcraft struck out 61 batters in just 68 innings, posting a 3.18 ERA, while leading the Bison to a Division 1 Junior College World Series appearance. 

“We are truly excited about having Jeff and Gary as part of our club in 2012,” said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. “They are both fearless competitors who want the ball in big games. We expect them to play a major role on our pitching staff this summer.”

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, entering their 12th season in the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 16th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 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 930 alums drafted and 46 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). 

Jeremy Aagard

(910) 426-5900