Samford's Richey Joins BNA Bank/CSBL With Tupelo Thunder

Gardner Richey, a freshman OF/RHP at Samford University, will join the BNA Bank Cotton States Baseball League with the Tupelo Thunder.  Richey requested and received a release from the Hannibal Cavemen of the Prospect League for the summer 2009 season in order to play in the BNA/CSBL.  Richey, an All-State performer for Tupelo High School and the NEMCABB Player of the Year in 2008, will add another Division I name to the growing number of participants in this inaugural season of BNA/CSBL North play.  Richey, one of three players in the CSBL representing the Southern Conference's Bulldogs, is the son of BNA/CSBL North president Clark Richey.  He will play the dual role of pitcher/player this summer for Coach Shawn Hairald's Thunder.