Ducks Sign Pair Of Outfielders
Published on February 26, 2009 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2009) - The Long Island Ducks today announced their first signings of the 2009 season, inking Ray Navarrete and Johnny Hernandez to patrol the outfield at Citibank Park. Navarrete returns for a fourth season with the Ducks following a career year in 2008 in which he hit .307 with 27 homers and club-record 103 RBI. Hernandez returns to the Atlantic League after batting .299 in 39 games for Bridgeport in 2007.
"It's exciting to see our team start to take shape for 2009," says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. "Both Ray and Johnny are tremendous players who will help make the Ducks winners on the field as we enter our 10th Anniversary Season."
A former Mets and Pirates farmhand, Navarrete has emerged as one of the premiere hitters in the Atlantic League over the past two seasons. The New Jersey native led the league in doubles, extra-base hits and runs scored in 2007, setting Ducks records in all three departments. He placed in the top three in the same three categories a year ago, while also clubbing a career-high 27 home runs and setting another team record with 103 RBI. The 30-year-old's efforts have earned him trips to the Atlantic League All-Star Game each of the past two years, while simultaneously helping lead the Ducks into postseason play. The Seton Hall alum, a career .284 hitter in 972 minor league games, was originally signed as a nondrafted free agent by Pittsburgh in 1999.
Brooklyn-born Hernandez made his Atlantic League debut in 2007 as a member of the Bridgeport Bluefish, hitting .299 with nine doubles, four triples and 27 runs scored in just 39 games. The switch hitter was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Xaverian High School in 1997, but spent all his time in affiliated ball with the St. Louis organization. His best year came in 2002 while playing for Potomac (A, Cardinals) in the Carolina League. Hernandez hit .283 that season, and set career marks for games played (139), hits (141), runs (54), doubles (24), triples (5) and RBI (62).
The Ducks 2009 10th Anniversary Season opens on Thursday, April 23, in Southern Maryland, with the home opener taking place at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at Citibank Park. Season tickets, 10-pack mini plans and group outings are currently available by calling (631) 940-3825.
Atlantic League Stories from February 26, 2009
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