(Central Islip, N.Y., July 5, 2012) – Atlantic League officials today announced that six members of the Long Island Ducks have been selected to participate in the 2012 Atlantic League All-Star Game. Infielders Ray Navarrete, Dan Lyons, and Shawn Williams, outfielder Kraig Binick, and pitchers Jason Monti and Jeremy Hill were each selected by fan, media, league official and coaching staff voting.
Navarrete makes his franchise record fifth All-Star appearance in 2012. At the time of his selection, the second baseman leads the Atlantic League in doubles (26) and extra-base hits (34), is second in runs batted in (46), hits (81), and total bases (131) and fourth overall in batting (.324). He’s also tied for first on the Ducks in runs scored (41) second in home runs (8). The Port Washington resident was selected to play in the All-Star Game four consecutive times from 2007-10.
Lyons earns his first Atlantic League All-Star nod after compiling a .282 batting average with three homers and 35 RBI in 64 games. The shortstop has compiled a .363 on-base percentage along with 34 runs and 24 walks in 2012. The Minnesota native has continued to be a clutch hitter for the Ducks, hitting .373 with 29 runs batted in when there are runners in scoring position this season.
Williams has been a versatile part of the Ducks lineup all season long, helping him earn his first All-Star selection. The switch-hitter is batting .271 with five home runs and 31 runs batted in. He has also had a flair for the dramatic, earning three walk-off hits this season while scoring the game-winning run in another waddle-off victory. The speedy 28-year-old has stolen nine bases in 11 attempts as well.
Binick returns to the Atlantic League All-Star Game for a second consecutive season. The outfielder leads the Ducks and ranks fifth in the league with 16 stolen bases and has drawn 27 walks compared to just 22 strikeouts. The defending Atlantic League batting champion is hitting .279 on the year with 17 RBI, 39 runs, 72 hits and a .382 on-base percentage.
Monti picks up his first All-Star selection as a Duck. The right-hander has spent time as both a starter and a reliever in 2012, posting a 5-3 record with a 3.99 ERA in 24 games (five starts). In his second year as a Duck, he has struck out 45 batters in 56 and two-thirds innings, and Long Island is 5-0 in games that he has started.
Hill, in his second season with the Ducks, earns his first trip to the All-Star Game. The righty and former Major Leaguer leads the Atlantic League with 33 games pitched and has a 2.97 ERA in 2012. Over 33 and one-third innings, he has walked just eight batters while striking out 23, and opponents are hitting just .250 against him. Hill has allowed only three earned runs in his last 22 games, compiling a 0.99 ERA and 18 strikeouts in that span.
Ducks skipper Kevin Baez will manage the Liberty Division All-Stars at the site where he won the 2004 Atlantic League All-Star Game MVP award and the 2004 Atlantic League championship while playing for the Ducks. Bench coach Bud Harrelson, pitching coach Steve Foucault, hitting coach Jay Loviglio and team trainer Dorothy Pitchford will also be a part of Kevin’s staff for the All-Star Game. Andy Etchebarren of the York Revolution will handle managing duties for the Freedom Division.
The 15th Annual Atlantic League All-Star Game will be held at Campbell’s Field, the home of the Camden Riversharks, on Wednesday, July 11 at 7:05 PM. Fans unable to attend the game can follow all the action live online by visiting www.riversharks.com.