AtL Long Island Ducks

Long Island Adds Two Pitchers

Published on March 16, 2010 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


(Central Islip, N.Y., Mar. 16, 2010) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced that they have signed pitchers Sidney Ponson and Jake Dittler for the 2010 season. Ponson brings 12 seasons of Major League experience to the Ducks, while Dittler returns for his second campaign after recording six wins for the Flock in 2009.

"We're extremely excited to add two quality arms to our pitching staff," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "Both pitchers will be a major asset for us this season."

This season will be Ponson's first in the Atlantic League and first in independent baseball. The righty spent last season in the Kansas City Royals organization. After six games at Triple-A Omaha, he was called up to the big leagues where he fired 58 and two-thirds innings in 14 games. The 33-year-old spent parts of the 2006 and 2008 seasons in the Yankees organization. Ponson has also spent time with five other clubs (Orioles, Giants, Cardinals, Twins, Rangers).

The Aruba native has appeared in 298 big league games (278 starts). His best season came in 2003 with the Orioles and Giants, when he went a combined 17-12 with a 3.75 ERA in 31 games. In addition, he has played in eight seasons of minor league baseball, compiling a record of 24-22 with a 3.66 ERA in 71 games, 65 of which he started. Ponson was also a starter for the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic, and he earned the victory in the Dutch's first-round upset of the Dominican Republic. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Orioles in 1993.

Dittler returns to the Ducks after posting a 6-7 record with a 4.79 ERA in 2009. The 27-year-old joined Long Island after spending the 2008 season with Frisco (AA, Rangers) of the Texas League and Camden of the Atlantic League. The Henderson, Nevada native went 2-1 in four starts (including playoffs) against the Ducks in '08 and was a key factor down the stretch in helping Camden capture the 2008 Liberty Division championship. Prior to 2008, Dittler had spent his entire career in the Indians system, posting 49 career wins and 591 strikeouts. Dittler was selected by the Indians in the second round of the 2001 draft.

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park in Central Islip, NY and are entering their 11th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Through 10 seasons, the team has averaged 6,077 fans per game in their 6,002-seat park. For further information, visit www.liducks.com or call 631-940-DUCK.

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