Outfielder Adam Godwin will return to the Lancaster Barnstormers' dugout for the 2012 season, the team announced today.

Godwin spent part of last season in Lancaster before being dealt to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for the rights to left-handed pitcher John Halama. Godwin was batting .256 with a stolen base and two RBI in a limited role with the Barnstormers at the time of the deal.

But the Alabama native excelled in Southern Maryland, batting .326 with two home runs, 24 RBI and 37 stolen bases. He finished seventh in the Atlantic League in batting and was third in stolen bases as the Crabs made the playoffs. During their series with Long Island, Godwin went 7-for-18 with a home run.

The former Dodger farmhand came to Lancaster in 2011 following an excellent campaign with New Jersey.  He hit .345 in 2010, falling 18 plate appearances and two points shy of the league batting crown.  He stole 17 bases and banged out five triples along with four homers while driving in 32 in just 49 games.

A right-handed hitter, Godwin was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2005 June draft out of Troy University, where he stole 84 bases in 2005, the fifth highest total in NCAA Division I history.

In five seasons with the Dodgers organization, two at the Class AA level, Godwin hit a combined .270 and stole 110 bases in 494 games.  He played with the Major League team during spring training in 2007 and in the Southern League All-Star Game, representing Jacksonville in 2008.

"Adam is a tremendous player, and we are glad to have him back," said Hobson in a press release issued by the team. "He should really be able to anchor the outfield for us in center."