CHARLES COUNTY, MD. – Christopher Newport All-America shortstop Trae Bailey has signed a professional contract with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League.

  Bailey joins the team which is in first place in the Liberty Division and appears headed for the league playoffs. Unlike most minor leagues which complete their season Labor Day weekend, the Atlantic League season continues until Sept. 20 after which the playoffs begin, so Bailey will have plenty of time to showcase his talent.

  Bailey earned All-America honors in his junior year with the Captains when he hit .427 with ten home runs and 62 RBIs. He completed his career with a .375 batting average, 24 home runs and 157 RBIs and helped lead the Captains to NCAA appearances in each of his final two seasons.

  He joins teammate Kenny Moreland in pro ball this year. Moreland has pitched for short-season Class A Aberdeen and high A Frederick in the Baltimore Orioles organization. He has compiled a combined 9-2 record with a 2.48 ERA and 55 strikeouts with nine walks in 80 innings.