FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The Fayetteville SwampDogs announced today the latest addition to an already impressive coaching staff. The SwampDogs welcome Ben Quinto to the team for the 2010 summer. 

Quinto is a 1999 graduate of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, NV. He was voted first team all conference his junior and senior season, along with being voted all state shortstop for Nevada his senior year. He started his collegiate playing career at the College of Southern Nevada, helping them to a 99-18 record in two seasons. His success earned him a scholarship to the University of San Diego. In his tenure with the Toreros he helped the team earn the school's first ever conference championship. In the summer of 2003 Quinto earned a spot as the starting shortstop for the Philippine National Team. 

Quinto spent two summers with the St. Cloud (MN) Riverbats of the Northwoods League and is still the team's record holder for fielding percentage for shortstops. His effort on the field during his summer with the Riverbats would leave a lasting impression on one of the opposing coaches, Darrell Handelsman. 

He began his coaching career with the White Rock Tritons (varsity baseball) as an assistant coach from 2007-2009. He left the Tritons to accept the assistant coaching position with the Menlo College Oaks. 

"I'm very thankful to Coach Handelsman and the Fayetteville SwampDogs for this great opportunity," says Quinto. "I played against Darrell's teams for two years in the Northwoods League and he always had well coached teams that played hard and competed!  I'm excited to now be a part of one of those teams and learn from someone who has had tremendous success at every stop."

"Ben brings a hard-nosed approach to playing the game," said SwampDogs head coach Darrell Handelsman. "I look forward to him being an integral part of working with our infielders and hitters. He will be another great addition as we embark on our 10th season in Fayetteville and work towards a CPL championship."

The Fayetteville SwampDogs are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the 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. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at www.coastalplain.com .