AtL Long Island Ducks

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Published on June 23, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release


Letter From the Editor: After a wet and eventful homestand, the Ducks are off on the road again to make a couple of stops in Somerset and York. Even though your Ducks won't be here there is still plenty of news that will be coming your way.

Lightning, and Thunder, and Rain, oh my! That seemed to be the chant at the ballpark earlier in the week as the Ducks witnessed two rain delays that lasted over an hour. Speaking of two, the Flock also played a couple of extra-inning contests that ended in dramatic fashion. P.J. Rose and Jay Gibbons certainly earned their stripes this week with a pair of game-winning hits.

Even though the weather might have been a nuisance, the fans at Citibank Park still had a great time. The Ducks welcomed the proud dad's to the ballpark on Monday for a Father's Day giveaway that included a wide variety of gifts from Plesser's. Fans that enjoyed 14 innings of baseball on Friday also saw a thrilling fireworks extravaganza. The excitement at Citibank Park will continue when the Ducks return home June 30, and as always, we hope to see you here.

As you read on you will notice that the exhilaration doesn't just take place on the field. We will fill you in about the upcoming Kid's Clinics, the Atlantic League All-Star Game, how to win a summer vacation and how to become a ‘King for a Day!'

As always, stay tuned to Webbed News all season long for the latest in-depth coverage of your favorite team, delivered to you via E-mail every Monday.

Thanks for reading and I can't wait to see you at the ballpark!

WEEKLY RECAP

The Ducks will be hitting the road again after spending the past week at home at Citibank Park. This seven-game homestand witnessed some heavy rain and lightning along with a couple of extra-inning affairs. Long Island began the week by hosting the Lancaster Barnstormers for a three-game series. The Ducks took the opening game from the Barnstormers, but fell short in the next two. Long Island then welcomed the York Revolution to town for the first time this season for a four-game set. The two teams split the series, with the Ducks taking the first two contests.

Monday, June 16: The Long Island Ducks defeated the Lancaster Barnstormers 4-3 in 11 innings at Citibank Park. P.J. Rose came through with a single in the 11th inning to plate Alex Sanchez with the winning run. The game had been scoreless since the fourth, when the Ducks scored runs on back-to-back triples by Donaldo Mendez and Pete Maestrales, and an RBI ground out by Damian Rolls. Maestrales also had an RBI double in the second to score the Flock's first run. Lancaster scored all of its runs in the third inning, highlighted by a home run by Danny Gonzalez.The Ducks bullpen stole the show for much of the game, hurling seven scoreless innings and allowing just two hits. Abe Alvarez (1-0) picked up the win by pitching a scoreless 11th, striking out one. Ryan Cullen (3-3) worked two innings in relief before taking the loss. Manny Ulloa started for Long Island, allowing three runs - two earned - in four innings before the rain brought his night to a premature end.

Tuesday, June 17: The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the Lancaster Barnstormers 7-3 before a sellout crowd of 6,012 at Citibank Park.Eric Ackerman (1-4) picked up his first victory of the season with an eight inning effort, improving as the game progressed. The southpaw worked eight frames, allowing two runs on four hits with no walks and six strikeouts. He outdueled fellow lefty Donovan Osborne (0-1), who pitched seven innings and allowed four runs on nine scattered hits.Ray Navarrete homered in his first game with the Ducks since returning from the Mexican League. P.J. Rose hit his second home run of the season, and his first this year at Citibank Park.

Wednesday, June 18: The Long Island Ducks dropped the rubber game of their series against Lancaster, falling to the Barnstormers 9-6 at Citibank Park.The Barnstormers erupted for 16 hits in the contest, scoring in six of the first seven innings. The visitors built up a 9-1 advantage before the Ducks fought back with a five-run eighth inning to make it a three-run game.The Ducks were sparked in the eighth by Kevin Haverbusch, who walloped a three-run shot to get Long Island back in the ballgame. Jay Gibbons picked up his first two hits as a Duck, and also collected his first RBI of the season in his second game in uniform.Josh Hall (2-0) worked seven innings for Lancaster, allowing just one run on four hits, holding the Ducks at bay on either side of the rain delay. Carlos Castillo (1-3) took the loss, giving up seven runs - five earned - in four and one-third innings. Jose Cabrera earned his fourth save of the season with a hitless ninth.

Thursday, June 19: Alay Soler was terrific in his Long Island Ducks debut, and the Ducks topped the York Revolution 10-3 before a sellout crowd of 6,016 at Citibank Park.Soler (1-0) pitched six innings, allowing just two runs - one earned - on three hits with seven strikeouts. York starter Aaron Myette struggled through four and two-thirds innings, giving up nine runs - six earned - on 10 hits with four walks. Clint Nageotte, Abe Alvarez and Ryan Knippschild combined to allow just one unearned run over the final three innings in relief of Soler.The Ducks broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on five hits to build a 10-1 lead. P. J. Rose and Donaldo Mendez each had three hits and two RBI for Long Island, and Ray Navarrete connected for his 13th home run of the year. Jay Gibbons had a double and two RBI as well.

Friday, June 20: The Long Island Ducks defeated the York Revolution on Friday 9-8 in 14 innings in front of a packed house of 6,502 at Citibank Park.Jay Gibbons was the hero in the extra frames, providing a game-winning double in the 14th to score pinch runner Clint Nageotte from first base. Ray Navarrete hit his league-leading 14th home run in the fifth inning, and Alex Sanchez contributed with a two-run homer and a 3-for-7 night at the plate. York was paced by four solo homers, the last of which was a shot by Jason Aspito that gave the Revs an 8-7 lead in the ninth. But the Ducks got three hits to load the bases in the bottom of the inning, and Dennis Donovan scored on a wild pitch to tie the game and force extras.Randy Leek pitched five and one-third innings for the Ducks, giving up five runs - four earned - on seven hits. Frank Castillo allowed four runs on seven hits in four in two-thirds innings. Neither starter factored in the decision. Jon Asahina and Abe Alvarez combined for five innings of scoreless relief in the extra sessions, with Alvarez (2-0) earning the win. Nick McCurdy went three scoreless innings for York before giving way to Heath Totten (0-1), who surrendered the game-winner to Gibbons.

Saturday, June 21: The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the York Revolution 5-4 before a past-capacity crowd of 6,406 at Citibank Park. The Revolution scored three times in the eighth inning to turn a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead. The Ducks rallied in the bottom of the ninth, getting within one on Ray Navarrete's RBI single. But Dave Veres held on for the save by getting Jay Gibbons to fly out to leftfield. P.J. Rose had two RBI in the effort for Long Island. Both starters pitched well, but neither factored in the decision. Manny Ulloa worked six and one-third innings, allowing just one run on five hits with seven strikeouts before exiting with back spasms. Dave Gil also went six and one-third, but pitched through trouble more often by giving up ten hits and three runs, two of which were earned. Jason Olson (4-2) got the win with an two innings of hitless relief, while Jason Simontacchi (0-1) took the loss, allowing four hits and three runs - two earned - in the eighth. Veres recorded his fourth save of the season.

Sunday, June 22: The Long Island Ducks were defeated by the York Revolution 6-2 before a sellout crowd of 6,070 at Citibank Park.Corey Thurman (4-5) shut down the Long Island offense through seven innings, giving up just two runs on eight scattered hits. The righthander issued no walks and struck out three to improve to 4-0 since June 1. Donovan Osborne (0-2) allowed five runs on 11 hits while taking the loss for the Ducks.The Revolution were led by Tyler Von Schell, who went 3-for-5 with four RBI, including a two-run double and a two-run homer. Eight of the nine Ducks starters had at least one hit, including Nook Logan in his Long Island debut. Dennis Donovan led the way with a 2-for-4 effort, including an RBI double in the third. Damian Rolls hit his seventh home run in the year in the seventh inning.

Player of the Week: OF Ray Navarrete - .357 (10-for-28), 3 HR, 2 2B, 5 RBI, 5 R, BB Who's Hot - P Abe Alvarez, who picked up two wins in relief this past week. The lefthander appeared in five games, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out five in six innings of work...INF P.J. Rose, who batted .345 (10-for-29) with a home runs, 6 RBI, three runs scored and four walks. He also drove home the game-winning run on Monday night, giving him two game-winning hits on the season...OF Alex Sanchez, who clubbed two home runs and scored nine runs this past week. Alex has scored 28 runs in 28 games played this year.

Transactions - June 16 - Add OF Jay Gibbons (Signed and Activated) June 16 - Delete P Randy Leek (Placed on Inactive List) June 16 - Add INF Rob Cafiero (Activated) June 17 - Delete P Steve Kent (Released) June 17 - Add OF Ray Navarrete (Signed and Activated) June 20 - Delete INF Rob Cafiero (Placed on Inactive List) June 20 - Add P Randy Leek (Activated) June 22 - Delete OF Kevin Haverbusch (Placed on Inactive List) June 22 - Add OF Nook Logan (Signed and Activated)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Every Ducks game will be broadcast live on LIDucks.com streaming audio. Every weekend home game can also be heard on WLIR (107.1 FM) and WNYG (1440-AM).

Monday, June 30, 6:35 vs. Camden (5:35 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS After a week-long road trip the Ducks come back home to begin a three-game series against the Camden Riversharks. Help make some noise for your hometown team by being one of the first 1,500 fans in attendance and receive a Quacker, courtesy of Newsday.

Tuesday, July 1, 7:05 vs. Camden (6:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS Make your way to the ballpark to hear Bob Ottone, the voice of Citibank Park and add another bobblehead to your collection. The first 1,500 fans will receive a Bob Ottone Bobblehead, courtesy of EastEndPetBakery.com.

Wednesday, July 2, 7:05 vs. Camden (6:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS The Ducks will be hosting their first ever ‘Strike Out Cancer Now' Night at Citibank Park, presented by Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a bracelet and following the game all fans are welcome to take a stroll around the bases. Come out to the ballpark and show your support.

Thursday, July 3, 7:05 vs. Bridgeport (6:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS Come out and see the Ducks begin a four-game set against the Bridgeport Bluefish at Citibank Park and also the first of three consecutive firework nights. David Lerner Associated will present you a pre-Independence Day Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza.

Friday, July 4, 7:05 vs. Bridgeport (6:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS There will be some loud explosions at the ballpark on Friday night for numerous reasons. The Pizza Hut K-Man is back at the ballpark and the fans will make some noise for the possibility of free breadsticks and pizza. Fans also hope for some loud cracks off the bats. Finally, every fan will be waiting for the show after the game, as the Ducks will be having their third Fireworks Night of the season. This Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza will be presented by Government Service Administrators.

Saturday, July 5, 7:05 vs. Bridgeport (6:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS It's time to wrap up our trio of fireworks shows with a post-Independence Day Grucci Fireworks Extravaganza, courtesy of Atlantic Auto Mall.

Sunday, July 6, 5:05 vs. Bridgeport (4:05 gates) - CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS What better way to wrap up a week long homestand than with a Sunday game. To begin the day, the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a Lunch Box, courtesy of News 12. Next, all fans attending the game will have a chance to go down onto the field for an autograph session sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Finally, following the game, all kids and kids at heart in attendance will get to run the bases, courtesy of Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Great seats are still available for this and all Ducks home games. To get your tickets, call 631-940-TIXX, visit the Citibank Park Box Office, or log on to www.liducks.com and click on the tickets icon at the top of the page.

CALLING ALL CAMPERS

Hey, kids! Now's your chance to take the field and learn the game from your favorite Ducks players and coaches! Spots for upcoming sessions of the Long Island Ducks/Long Island Sports Academy Kids Clinics are still available, and securing your spot on the roster is as easy as tying your cleats.

The first clinic session runs on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19. A second session swings away on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2. Each clinic runs from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on each day.

Kids of all talent levels between the ages of seven and 14 can sign up for this exclusive experience that includes lunch, a Ducks clinic jersey and an equipment bag. Campers bring their own gloves, bats and catching equipment, and the Ducks provide the helmets and baseballs. Campers should arrive each day by 8:45 a.m. and be dressed and ready to play, rain or shine.

Don't wait! Spots are filling up fast, so CLICK HERE and sign up today for your chance to learn how to play like a pro, from the pros! To register at the ballpark, visit the National Grid Ticket Kiosk or the Newsday.com Customer Service Center on your next visit to Citibank Park. You can also join the team by calling 631-940-3825 xt. 102, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and heading for the Kids Zone icon on the homepage.

The Ducks are ready to take on the Atlantic League this summer, and they're ready to teach the future Flock what it takes to be a champ!

The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.

VOTE YOUR FAVORITE DUCKS TO THE ALL-STAR GAME!

The stars are always out at Citibank Park - even during a day game! Now, you have the chance to shoot your favorite stars into the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game. Whether it's the guy who hits the monster homers, who always comes up with the clutch hit, who dominates on the mound or who flashes the leather in the field, the decision as to who should play in the AL's midsummer classic is up to you!

To vote, log onto www.liducks.com and click on the All-Star Game icon on the right side of the page. From there, select your favorite player or players at each position. Submit your entries, and your vote helps determine who makes the 2008 All-Star squads!

The 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game will be played on Wednesday, July 16, at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey, home of the Somerset Patriots, and will include giveaways for fans including Baseball Cards (1st 1,500 Kids) of each selected player, a Collectible Pin (1st 1,500 Adults), Commemorative Tickets for all fans in attendance, and a Special All-Star Program for fans to learn more about each player and the history of the Atlantic League All-Star Game (1st 3,500 Fans). The event will include entertainment from The ZOOperstars, BirdZerk, and a Post Game Fireworks Show unlike any seen in Central New Jersey.

For more information about the 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game, or to purchase tickets, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

YOU CAN BE ‘KING FOR A DAY!'

The Long Island Ducks have teamed up with Bud Light Lime and 7-11 to give one lucky fan a chance to be "King For a Day" at Citibank Park this summer..

Fans can enter at more than 80 participating 7-11 convenience stores in Nassau and Suffolk counties via entry forms available by displays of the brand new Bud Light Lime. The contest runs from Monday, June 16, until Friday, August 8. One winner will be selected among the entrants for the "King For a Day" grand prize, which includes an unforgettable day as a member of the Long Island Ducks on Monday, August 18.

The grand prize winner will enjoy a locker in the Ducks clubhouse, complete with a full uniform, which the winner will get to keep. During the day, the winner will take batting practice with the club, throw out the first pitch before the ballgame and sit in the dugout during the game. The winner will also have the opportunity to spend an inning coaching first base. In addition, a luxury suite will be provided with 20 tickets for family and friends.

Sign up today for your chance to win this ultimate baseball experience, presented by Budweiser and 7-11. Entry forms are now available by the Bud Light Lime displays in all participating 7-11 convenience stores.

HAVE A WHALE OF A VACATION!

Looking to get away from it all this summer? Sure you can take a Nine Inning Vacation at Citibank Park, but what about the traditional summer family getaway?

Ducks fans now have the chance to bring their family down to Orlando, FL and spend a relaxing vacation at Sea World Aquatica. The trip includes four Sea World Orlando & Aquatica multi-day passes, two nights lodging, four round trip airfare tickets from Islip to Orlando and Sea Would Aquatica gift bags. The running for this package lasts until June 30th and the winner will be announced on July 4th. Fans can enter by visiting the Newsday.com Customer Service Center on their next visit to Citibank Park, or by logging onto www.liducks.com and clicking the Aquatica icon on the right side of the page. Fill out the entry form for your chance to win this unforgettable vacation!

Busch Gardens will be running several contests throughout the season. Stay tuned to Webbed News and www.liducks.com for more details and information throughout the summer!

WELCOME BACK RAY!

All Ducks fans were happy to hear that one of Long Island's most exciting stars had come back home. Ray Navarrete made his return to the Long Island Ducks this past Tuesday, after spending a week in Mexico with Tabasco of the Mexican League.

"We're excited to have Ray back in the heart of our lineup and in our clubhouse," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "We missed his contributions while he was gone, and look forward to seeing him back on the field as we make a push for the playoffs."

Ray, like always, made quite an impression during his first day back at Citibank Park, recording two hits including his 12th home run of the season. CLICK HERE to listen to Ducks radio personality Chris King speak with Navarrete about his return and make sure to listen to all of the Ducks audio and highlights by visiting liducks.com and going to the audio archive page.

LOGAN SIGNED BY DUCKS

The Long Island Ducks added another ex-Major Leaguer to their roster with the signing of outfielder Nook Logan. The 28-year-old outfielder spent the past four seasons in the Major Leagues, batting .265 with Washington in 2007.

"Nook gives us another solid bat in the lineup and solidifies our outfield," says Ducks manager Dave LaPoint. "We're excited to have him on our club and look forward to his contributions on the field and in the clubhouse."

A third round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2000, Logan made his Major League debut with Detroit in 2004. He hit .278 with eight steals in 47 games while getting his first taste of the big leagues. The following season, he appeared in 129 games with the Tigers, swiping 23 bases on 29 attempts, and connecting for 5 triples. The speedster hit .300 with the Nationals in 2006, and holds a career average of .268 with 56 stolen bases in four big league campaigns. The Mississippi native's finest minor league season came with Erie (AA, Tigers) of the Eastern League in 2003, where he collected seven triples and a career-high four home runs and 38 RBI with 37 stolen bases. He swiped a career-best 67 bags with Single-A West Michigan (Tigers) of the Midwest League in 2001.

WHO WILL BE THE FIRST K-MAN?

All season long, fans will have the chance to win free breadsticks or pizza, courtesy of Pizza Hut. Every Friday at Citibank Park, the opposing cleanup hitter will be selected as the Pizza Hut K-Man. If the K-Man strikes out twice during the game, everyone in attendance wins a free small order of breadsticks. If Ducks pitching whiffs the K-Man a third time, fans win a free small personal pan pizza, courtesy of Pizza Hut. The next Friday Ducks home game is on July 4 at 7:05 p.m. against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Make sure you cheer all night long for the home team, but give a little extra shout when you see two strikes on the board against the K-Man. You've gotta be loud to win free food!

CVS MAKES EVERYONE A WINNER ON THURSDAYS

Hey, Ducks fans, now it pays to head to Citibank Park on Thursday nights. That's because the Ducks have partnered with CVS to provide fans with great giveaways and coupon opportunities each time they leave the ballpark. Whether it's a coupon for free digital photo prints or a sample of soothing hand lotions, there's something for everyone each and every Thursday! And best of all, now the Ducks are heading to CVS as well. Keep an eye out in your neighborhood, because QuackerJack could soon be stopping by your town!

DUCKS INSIDER

As the Ducks go on the road, DI will be right there behind them. The first round of the Hot Dog Tasting Contest is over, but DI looks forward to round two as we travel to Somerset and York again. Both stadiums will get a second chance to redeem themselves and try to take the number one spot at top dog. York is currently ranked third while Somerset is dead last, but DI does believe in second chances...It's great to see Ray Navarrete back with the Ducks. The slugger headed down to Mexico a couple weeks ago to play for Tabasco of the Mexican League, however, after a short stint south of the border Ray decided it was not the place for him. What made him come back? Maybe he did drink the water down there or the ‘Tabasco' sauce was not as good as he thought it was or because he could not resist the friendly confines of Citibank Park...DI would like to give a round of applause to Ducks trainer Dottie Pitchford, who came through in the clutch for the second week in a row. Last week she saved Ducks promotions manager Morgan Tranquist with a tube of sun block, but this week she helped out the entire front office staff by getting her feet wet and pulling the tarp during the rain delay on Wednesday. It's the first time in her career that she encountered the tarp, but she certainly handled it like a pro...Jay Gibbons made an impressive debut this week, especially with his new teammates. The former Baltimore Oriole said hello to his new team members with a brand new flat screen TV for the clubhouse! All players certainly welcomed his with open arms and open eyes and even open ears as a surround sound system was next on the list. This clubhouse is now rockin' with some power and tunes!...Well boys and girls, DI has to get a move on because there is a certain television in the clubhouse calling my name, but I will see you next week with more inside info about your Feathered Friends.

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Atlantic League Stories from June 23, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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