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Tobs COO Mike Edwards steps down

December 7, 2007

Wilson, NC — Mike Edwards, the Chief Operating Officer of the Wilson Tobs, has stepped away from his position effective today. He will remain with the team in an advisory role. Edwards plans to focus his attention on his PhD in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from North Carolina St. University, which he has been working towards since leaving his post as Tobs’ General Manager in 2006.

Edwards, a native of Princeton, North Carolina, served as Wilson's GM for three seasons from 2004-06, and oversaw three playoff teams. Several players signed by Wilson have moved on to the professional ranks and enjoyed success, most notably Kevin Pucetas of the 2005 Tobs, who was named South Atlantic League (Class A) pitcher of the year in 2007 while pitching for the Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco). In addition to success on the field, Edwards also had success off the field as attendance rose each of Edwards' three seasons, and the Tobs were named the CPL "Organization of the Year" in 2005, a season in which Edwards also oversaw the CPL All-Star game at Historic Fleming Stadium.

After moving from General Manager to COO in 2006, Edwards transitioned the team to his replacement, Ben Jones, aiding the 2007 Tobs staff in producing a record-setting attendance total this past summer.

"I feel privileged to have been able to work with, and learn from somebody so accomplished and respected in the baseball world" said Tobs' general manager Ben Jones. "The leadership and commitment that Mike has shown to this team and to our town will not be over looked or forgotten."

In addition to Wilson, Edwards served as an executive in the Cleveland Indians organization for six seasons with the Burlington (NC) Indians, Columbus (GA) Redstixx and Lake County (OH) Captains. He was named "Executive of the Year" for the Appalachian League both in 1999 and 2000.

He will continue to reside in Wilson with his wife, Melissa, and daughter Molly.

The Wilson Tobs are a member franchise of the Coastal Plain League. With fifteen 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