01/13/2006 1:38 PM - Veteran slugger Charles Peterson was acquired by the T-Bones from Sussex of the Can-Am League for a player to be named later, the team announced Friday. Peterson, 31, was originally drafted in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1993 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates and spent six seasons in their system before moving to the ranks of independent baseball.

Early in his career, Peterson showed a good deal of speed, swiping thirty or more bases in a season twice; as his career has advanced, he has hit for power, socking a career-best sixteen homers with Sioux Falls in 2001. The right-handed native of Laurens, SC, advanced to the Triple-A level in 1999 after spending parts of four seasons with the Double-A affiliate of the Pirates. Peterson has also done two tours of duty in the Mexican League.

T-Bones fans will remember Peterson for his mammoth three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth in Lincoln in August 2004. The shot, off current Baltimore farmhand Derek Forbes, tied the game; the T-Bones would lose, 9-8, in seventeen innings before running off a nine-game win streak that would catapult them to the second-half crown.

Peterson has hit .290 in his career with 118 HR and 700 RBI. He will split time at first base and designated hitter with returning homer hero Eddie Pearson. "I've seen Charles play for years," said T-Bones manager "Dirty" Al Gallagher. "I'm excited to finally have him on my team, and he and Eddie will be wonderful bookends in our lineup." Click here for Peterson's career stats through 2004.

Fans can call (913)328-BALL (2255) for information on ticket packages to see the T-Bones in 2006. Starting at just $65, it's a great way to give yourself a reason to look forward to summer!