AtL Long Island Ducks

'Machete' Joins Ducks Staff

Published on April 4, 2023 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


(Central Islip, N.Y.) - The Long Island Ducks today announced Luis "Machete" Rodriguez has been named the team's pitching coach for the 2023 season. Rodriguez, recently named to the Atlantic League's 25th Anniversary Team, replaces Nelson Figueroa, who informed the Ducks he will be stepping down for an opportunity in the broadcast media industry.

"I am excited to take on a new role as a pitching coach and share all of my experience and expertise with the players and staff," said Rodriguez. "It is an honor to head back to the team where I started my Atlantic League career."

Rodriguez originally joined the Ducks in 2004 as the team's catcher. In 59 games that season, he batted .290 with seven home runs, 39 RBIs, 28 runs, 64 hits, 13 doubles, three triples and a .349 on-base percentage. Defensively, he threw out 30% of runners attempting to steal and was known as 'Machete' for his ability to cut down base runners with his strong arm. The Venezuela native went on to help the Ducks win their first Atlantic League championship that postseason.

The 49-year-old went on to fashion a 10-year ALPB playing career, spending time with the Nashua Pride in 2005 and the Bridgeport Bluefish from 2008-15. After serving exclusively as a catcher, he became a player-coach in Bridgeport in 2012. and later went on to manage the club in 2016 and 2017. The Endicott, N.Y., resident caught 788 games in his Atlantic League career, more than any other player in league history, and ranks 12th all-time in games played with 816. He also earned an Atlantic League All-Star Game selection in 2010 when the game was played on Long Island.

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