Seven Ducks named to all-star game
July 5, 2006 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 5, 2005) - Long Island Ducks team officials today announced that seven members of the 2006 squad have been named to the Atlantic League All-Star team. Infielders Bucky Jacobsen, Carlos Hernandez, Erick Almonte and Tony Schrager, outfielder Mel Stocker, and pitchers Pat Ahearne and Pat Mahomes were selected by Atlantic League general managers, coaching staffs, media members and fans. Each group's collective vote counts 25 percent towards determining rosters. The All-Star Game will take place at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard on July 12 at 7:05 p.m.
"We are excited to be sending seven of our players over to Bridgeport including our entire infield," says Michael Hirsch, Long Island Ducks general manager. "These guys have been exciting to watch over the season's first half. We expect them to do the same for all of the fans in attendance on July 13."
Long Island's star-studded infield includes first baseman Bucky Jacobsen, who is making his first trip to the mid-summer classic after belting 10 homers, tying him for the league lead. Second baseman Carlos Hernandez is making his second trip to the Atlantic League All-Star Game in as many seasons. The former Astro is currently batting .264 with 14 extra-base hits and 24 RBI. Sure-handed shortstop Tony Schrager joins his infield mates in Bridgeport after batting .300, best among the league's shortstops and seventh overall on the circuit. Rounding out Long Island's infield contribution is Erick Almonte, who gets his first nod after batting .293 with 30 runs scored in 48 games for the Ducks.
The Ducks starting rotation's potent one-two punch of Pat Mahomes and Pat Ahearne will both make their first trip to the Atlantic League All-Star Game. Ahearne is currently 7-0 with a 3.04 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts), while Mahomes, the former Met, is 6-4 in 13 starts.
Rounding out Long Island's All-Star list is Mel Stocker. The centerfielder had a 2006 league-best and Ducks team record 25-game hitting streak (5/17 -6/19) and currently ranks fifth on the circuit with a .303 average.
Bridgeport skipper Dave LaPoint will manage the North Division All-Stars while Jeff Ball of the Atlantic City Surf will be at the helm for the South Division squad.
The ninth annual Atlantic League All Star Game will begin at 7:35 PM and will be covered regionally by Cablevision. Tickets are available at the Bridgeport Bluefish box office on 500 Main Street in Bridgeport, CT (203-345-4800), or on the Bluefish website at www.bridgeportbluefish.com. The Port Jefferson Ferry has agreed to hold a return-trip ferry from Bridgeport until 10:30 p.m. on the night of the game so that fans heading to the game can travel home after the anticipated conclusion of the game. For a complete list of times and schedules, log onto www.portjeffferry.com.
The Long Island Ducks are in their seventh season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. They have averaged over 100 percent attendance capacity of 6,002-seat Citibank Park in each of their first six seasons and are one of the most successful minor league sports franchises in the country. For further information, visit www.liducks.com or call 631-940-DUCK.
2006 ATLANTIC LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME ROSTERS
NORTH TEAM
Pitchers (8): Pat Ahearne, Long Island; Pat Mahomes, Long Island, T.J. Mathews, Bridgeport; Luther Hackman, Bridgeport; Kevin Hodges, Bridgeport; Melvin Pizarro, Road Warriors; Joey Cole, Newark; Joe Gannon, Newark
Infielders (7): Bucky Jacobsen, Long Island; Carlos Hernandez, Long Island; Erick Almonte, Long Island; Tony Schrager, Long Island; Steve Hine, Bridgeport; Bryan Nelson, Bridgeport; Mike Huggins, Road Warriors
Outfielders (4): Mel Stocker, Long Island; Barry Wesson, Bridgeport; William Pennyfeather, Newark; Jose Herrera, Newark
Catchers (2): Hector Kulian, Bridgeport; Sandy Arecena, Road Warriors.
Designated Hitter (1): Manny Mejia, Road Warriors
Manager: Dave LaPoint, Bridgeport
SOUTH TEAM
Pitchers (8): Lincoln Mikkelsen, Atlantic City; Mark Persails, Atlantic City; Jason DiAngelo, Atlantic City; Mark DiFelice, Camden; Denny Harriger, Lancaster; Matt Knox, Lancaster; Mike Johnson, Somerset; Ben Crockett, Somerset
Infielders (7): Larry Barnes, Somerset; Jeff Nettles, Somerset; Clyde Williams, Atlantic City; Demetrius Heath, Atlantic City; Raul Marval, Atlantic City; Denny Abreu, Camden
Outfielders (4): Ryan Radmanovich, Somerset; Quincy Foster, Lancaster; Reggie Taylor, Lancaster; Pedro Swann, Camden
Catchers (2): Lance Burkhart, Lancaster; Fernando Lunar, Somerset
Designated Hitter (1): Todd Leathers, Atlantic City
Manager: Jeff Ball, Atlantic City
Atlantic League Stories from July 5, 2006
- Ducks score early, beat Bears 9-2 - Newark Bears
- Ducks roll at home with Mahomes - Long Island Ducks
- Barnstormers move to brink of clinching - Lancaster Stormers
- Seven Ducks named to all-star game - Long Island Ducks
- Atlantic League All-Star rosters announced - AtL
- Patriots' Radmanovich named player of the month - Somerset Patriots
- Golden State Warrior Troy Murphy to be Bears coach for a day - Newark Bears
- Patriots shut out Road Warriors, 7-0 - Somerset Patriots
- Ducks to host Long Island Luau on Friday - Long Island Ducks
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