The SwampDogs are proud to announce the return of two local standouts in 2012. Jay Cannon (pictured L-R) will don the pinstripes for his third season, while Dylan Brown returns for his second year at “The Swamp”.  The duo heads to Fayetteville as teammates from East Carolina University (NC).

Cannon, an Angier, N.C., native will continue to raise the bar for excellence in the field and in the community upon his return to Fayetteville. The third year SwampDog has provided a steady bat in the lineup as well as consistency defensively whether in the middle of the infield or flying around the outfield. In his two seasons with the Dogs, Cannon showed his prowess at the plate hitting .302. He joined the team midway through the 2011 season playing in 23 games. In his tenure with the Dogs he has accumulated 20 stolen bases in 24 attempts, 17 doubles, three home runs and 25 RBIs. Before transferring to ECU, Cannon played two years for Brunswick Community College (NC). With the BCC Dolphins he played in a total of 88 games hitting .331 and .327 in his two years. He accrued 16 doubles, two triples and 58 RBIs.

In high school, Dylan Brown was the 262nd ranked prospect in the nation, fourth in North Carolina, from Smithfield-Selma high school and was a 1st team 4-A All State player. While at Smithfield-Selma high school, Brown played a portion of his career under SwampDogs assistant coach Ben Moore. In his senior season, the left handed hitter earned a .417 batting average with seven doubles, two triples, eight home runs and 29 RBIs.  Brown played in 30 games at NC State where he hit .204 with two doubles and four RBIs as a true freshman. Following his freshman season, Brown came to Fayetteville for his debut at “The Swamp”. The Clayton, N.C., native saw action in 43 games, hitting .231 with three doubles, one home run and 16 RBIs while stealing eight bases. Brown provides another speedy option to patrol the outfield.  Brown’s sophomore season will be played at Gulf State College (FL) before his transfer to ECU for the 2013 season.

“We are excited to have Jay and Dylan back for 2012,” said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. “Both of these guys are athletic, passionate, high-energy players. I expect them both to assume a leadership role and set the tone for our club, both on and off the field.”

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