It is arguably the most significant player acquisition in their three year history. The Calgary Vipers today announced the signing of eleven year Triple-A veteran outfielder Darryl Brinkley to a 2007 contract. Brinkley’s 13-year pro career has included stints in the organizations of the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates.

The speedy outfielder played last August for the Vipers after completing the TRIPLE-A season in Mexico. He posted big numbers in his brief stint with the Calgary hitting .368 with a .504 slugging percentage, 15 RBI and a .392 on base percentage. He also stole 12 bases and hit 2 home runs in only 29 games.

“Darryl is an incredible leader”, said Vipers Field Manager Mike Busch. “He could have gone back to Triple-A in Mexico but at this stage in his career with hopes of getting into coaching this was probably his best choice”.

“I felt very comfortable in Calgary last summer”, added Brinkley. “It was a good chance to reunite with Vipers President Peter Young. We were both with the Winnipeg Goldeyes in 1994 and I guess we have the only Northern League Championship rings in the organization. I’m looking forward to a shot at my second this summer”.

Included in Brinkley’s background are three seasons in the Pacific Coast League in Nashville and therefore numerous trips to Calgary to play the Cannons. His career numbers are staggering and include a lifetime batting average of .325 in over 1,400 games. The native of Stamford, Connecticut has amassed a total of 838 RBI, 145 home runs, 325 stolen bases and a career slugging percentage of .474.

“Darryl will unquestionably be one of the elite players in the Northern League”, said Busch. “With Brink, Carlos Duncan, Nelson Castro and Evan Gruesel we will have as much leadership in the dressing room as any team I’ve been associated with. Add in third baseman Aaron McEachran, first baseman Jason Colson and our MVP Drew Miller and we have seven guys in the lineup who can hit the long ball”.

The signing of Brinkley brings to 17 the number of players inked to 2007 Vipers contracts. Right handed pitchers Tom Lyons, Geoff Freeborn and Phil Sobkow will report for training camp on May 2. All three were with the Vipers last season. Busch has also traded LHP Scott Sarver to Fullerton of the Golden League for right hander Jeff Groeger. Groeger was 7-4 with a 3.82 ERA for the Flyers last season. Also signed were Australian catcher Mitch Evans who played last season in Germany and RHP Stan Switala from California.

The Vipers will be very active in the community in the next week. Pitcher Geoff Freeborn will be signing autographs at the Foothills Little League registration this Saturday while Northern League Rookie of the Year Manabu Kuramochi will be at the Centennial Little League Registration. Freeborn will also be at the Cochrane Little League registration on Tuesday evening. Next Tuesday Vipers President Peter Young speaks at the Carriage House Rotary luncheon and addresses Western High School students on Thursday.