The Calgary Vipers will welcome Northern League Commissioner Clark C. Griffith for an informal media gathering on Wednesday, February 14th at 2:30 pm at Spolumbos, 1308 - 9 Avenue SE.

Griffith is a well known U.S. Sports Attorney who was an Owner, Executive Vice-President and Treasurer of the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club. He has also served as Chairman of Major League Baseball Properties and was a member of the Player Relations Committee. 2006 Northern League Rookie of the Year, Manabu Kuramochi, will also be in attendance along with Vipers teammate and Calgary native Geoff Freeborn who has just returned from a winter season in Australia.

Vipers Field Manager Mike Busch has added a familiar face and a newcomer to the list of signed players for 2007. First baseman-designated hitter Jason Colson returns for his third season with the Vipers. The 28 year old left handed batter has drilled 11 home runs and 48 RBI for the Vipers since being acquired in a trade with Gary late in the 2005 season. Colson was limited to 57 games last season due to injury.

The benefit of having veteran Carlos Duncan playing in Colombia this winter has paid off with the signing of one of his teammates, right handed pitcher Daivis Burguillos. Burguillos was originally drafted by the New York Mets in 2001 but never played in North America due to injuries. He has pitched in Mexico and his native Venezuela in his 3 year career.

The signing of Colson and Burguillos brings to eleven the number of players signed to 2007 Vipers contracts.

Over the next few weeks the Vipers will be highly visible in the community with appearances this weekend at the Bowridge Baseball registration on Saturday at the Crowchild Twin Arenas from 10am – 2 pm and on Sunday at the Chestermere Winter Carnival where the Vipers Radar Pitching Cage will be set up for youngsters. On both days Manaubu Kuramochi will be available to sign autographs for youngsters. On Family Day, Monday, February 19, Kuramochi, Freeborn, team mascot Slider and the Pitching Cage will make their annual appearance at the Family Fun Day at the Olympic Oval.