Author Mark Cryan at New Bridge on Saturday

TRIAD BASEBALL AUTHOR TO APPEAR AT SATURDAY’S GAME

Former B-Indians GM Will Autograph “Cradle of the Game: Baseball and Ballparks in North Carolina”

Serious baseball fans will want to come out early to NewBridge Bank Park on Saturday August 9th and pick up their own autographed copy of “Cradle of the Game: Baseball and Ballparks in North Carolina.” Written by former Burlington Indians General Manager Mark Cryan, this 400 page volume brings to life the people, places and stories of the baseball in the Tar Heel State.

A combination history and travel guide, Cryan’s book explores current and former minor league ballparks, and leading college ballparks, while telling the story of baseball in each of the dozens of cities featured in the book. It’s an easy, enjoyable read, and the perfect gift for the baseball fan in your family.

The author has many years of North Carolina baseball experience, working with teams in Burlington and Fayetteville, as well as helping bring baseball back to cities including Asheboro, Thomasville, Wilmington and Wilson.

Highlights of the book include interviews with legendary minor league executive Miles Wolff, a Greensboro native, who provides a behind-the-scenes look at making the ultimate baseball movie – Bull Durham, and with former Marlins Manager Jack McKeon, a resident of Alamance County for over fifty years, reflecting on his days in the North Carolina “bush leagues.”

Copies of the book will be on sale in the Grasshoppers souvenir shop next to the main entrance beginning when the gates open at 6 PM for Saturday’s 7 PM game. The book is just $18.95, and Cryan will be on hand to autograph all copies purchased at the game Saturday.

“I’m really excited about the book signing,” said author Mark Cryan. “I always enjoy visiting NewBridge Bank Park, and I know Greensboro baseball fans will enjoy this book. Greensboro and the Triad are a big part of baseball in North Carolina, and the book reflects that.”

Cryan was instrumental in setting up the summer collegiate Coastal Plain League and is a former General Manager of the Burlington (NC) Indians. He currently works as Athletic Director for the Burlington Recreation & Parks Department, and serves as an adjunct professor at Elon University and Greensboro College. He lives in Burlington with his wife Dale and their two boys, Sam and Ty.
*****from Justin Stottlemyre Hoppers’ media assistant*****