Two-time American League MVP agrees to terms with Ducks for 2006
June 1, 2006 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 1, 2006) - The Long Island Ducks, members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, today announced that they have agreed to terms with outfielder Juan Gonzalez on a contract for the 2006 season. He is expected to join the club on Tuesday, June 6, in time for the team's three-game series against the Lancaster Barnstormers, while the Ducks first home game with Gonzalez in uniform at Citibank Park is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13 at 7:05 p.m.
"In our history, the Atlantic League has helped players like Rickey Henderson, Carlos Baerga, Jose Lima and many more get back to the big leagues," says Ducks principal owner and Atlantic League CEO Frank Boulton. "We are looking forward to helping Juan achieve that same goal."
Gonzalez owns a career Major League average of .295 with 434 home runs and 1,404 RBI in 1,689 games with the Rangers, Indians, Tigers and Royals. During a spectacular 16-year MLB career, the native of Puerto Rico was named to the American League All-Star team on three occasions (1993, 1998, 2001), led the majors in home runs twice (43, 1992; 46, 1993) and earned American League MVP awards in 1996 and 1998. Gonzalez is currently ranked 34th on MLB's all-time home run list.
The 36-year old is entering his 21st season of professional baseball in 2006. He began his pro career as an undrafted free agent with the Rangers in 1986 and made his first stop in the majors in 1989. Beginning with the 1991 season, Gonzalez averaged 36 home runs and 115 RBI per year over an 11-season span through 2001. In 1996 as a member of the Rangers, the slugger batted .314 with 47 home runs and 144 RBI to take home his first MVP Award. Two seasons later, he batted .318 with 45 home runs and a league-leading 157 RBI to win the award for a second time.
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 in each of their first six seasons and are one of the most successful minor league sports franchises in the country. For information on purchasing tickets, visit www.liducks.com or call 631-940-DUCK.
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