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Tobs ink pair of Heels

January 14, 2008

Wilson, NC — Once again, the University of North Carolina will be well-represented on the Wilson Tobs roster.

The Tobs have announced the signings of two North Carolina underclassman, freshman outfielder Zeke Blanton and left-handed pitcher Brian Moran.

Moran, a 6'3" sophomore from Rye, New York, saw spot-duty for a loaded Tar Heels team in 2007. He tossed 8 relief innings, posting a 3.38 ERA and seven strikeouts. He followed that up with impressive summer statistics pitching for Glen Falls in the New York Collegiate Baseball League, posting a 5-3 record with a 1.52 ERA and four complete games. He also struck out 49 in 65 innings against just 7 walk.

Moran is following somewhat of a family tradition to North Carolina, sharing the footsteps of his uncle, former major league outfielder and Tar Heel B.J. Surhoff.

"A left-handed pitcher with great command, Brian is going to work both in our rotation and out of the bullpen this summer," said Tobs Coach Jeff Steele.

Blanton, a native of Forest City, NC, enters his freshman season at UNC following four stellar years at East Rutherford High School. He was named to the all-state team as a sophomore in 2005 and again as a senior in 2007, a season in which he hit .542 with 10 home runs. East Rutherford captured the state championship crown in both Blanton’s freshman and senior seasons.

Blanton will fight for playing time in the outfield this spring with established Tar Heels' Tim Fedroff, Seth Williams and Kyle Shelton. Jeff Steele is confident in Blanton’s abilities, saying "Zeke is a strong, physical kid that runs well. His offensive capabilities will provide a spark to the top of our lineup this summer."

The Wilson Tobs are a member franchise of the Coastal Plain League. With fourteen teams in the Carolinas and Virginia, the league attracts top players from collegiate programs throughout the country. Playing home games at Historic Fleming Stadium.

Contact:
Ben Jones
252-291-8627