Outfielder Emilio Bonifacio enters game for Washington Nationals
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 27, 2020) – The Washington Nationals sent Emilio Bonifacio into their game against the New York Yankees on Sunday, July 26, as a pinch-runner. In doing so, the outfielder became the 21st player in Long Island Ducks history to reach the Major Leagues after playing with Long Island.
Bonifacio played with the Ducks during the 2018 season. He appeared in 70 games with the Flock, compiling a .348 batting average, three homers, 36 RBIs, 42 runs, 95 hits, 17 doubles, two triples, 20 stolen bases and a .385 on-base percentage. His contract was then purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers on August 31, 2018, and he was assigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs. At the time of his departure, the Dominican Republic native led the Atlantic League in batting and had the longest hitting streak in the league (23 games).
The 35-year-old begins his 12th season at the Major League level and first since 2017. He has previously played in The Show for the Arizona Diamondbacks (2007-08), Washington Nationals (2008), Florida/Miami Marlins (2009-12), Toronto Blue Jays (2013), Kansas City Royals (2013), Atlanta Braves (2014, 2016-17), Chicago Cubs (2014) and Chicago White Sox (2015). In 832 career MLB games, he has compiled a .256 batting average, 13 home runs, 165 RBIs, 355 runs, 669 hits, 95 doubles, 33 triples and 166 stolen bases.
Following is the complete list of Ducks players to reach MLB after playing on Long Island:
| PLAYER | YEAR(S) WITH DUCKS | PROMOTED BY | PROMOTION YEAR |
| Emilio Bonifacio | 2018 | Washington Nationals | 2020 |
| Fernando Abad | 2018 | San Francisco Giants | 2019 |
| Wilkin Castillo | 2018 | Miami Marlins | 2019 |
| Henderson Alvarez | 2017 | Philadelphia Phillies | 2017 |
| Quintin Berry | 2017 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2017 |
| Tim Melville | 2017, 2019 | Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres Minnesota Twins |
2019 2017 2017 |
| Rich Hill | 2015 | Los Angeles Dodgers Oakland Athletics Boston Red Sox |
2016-19 2016 2015 |
| Scott Rice | 2008 | New York Mets | 2013-14 |
| Lew Ford | 2009, 2011-Present | Baltimore Orioles | 2012 |
| Kip Wells | 2010 | San Diego Padres | 2012 |
| Justin Hampson | 2010 | New York Mets | 2012 |
| Joey Gathright | 2010 | Boston Red Sox | 2011 |
| Robinson Cancel | 2010 | Houston Astros | 2011 |
| Erick Almonte | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2011 |
| Jay Gibbons | 2008 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 2010 |
| Mel Stocker | 2006 | Milwaukee Brewers | 2007 |
| Nelson Figueroa | 2006 | Houston Astros Philadelphia Phillies New York Mets |
2010-11 2010 2008-09 |
| Ken Ray | 2002 | Atlanta Braves | 2006 |
| Bill Pulsipher | 2004 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2005 |
| Pedro Borbon Jr. | 2003 | St. Louis Cardinals | 2003 |
| Carlos Baerga | 2001 | Washington Nationals Arizona Diamondbacks Boston Red Sox |
2005 2003-04 2002 |
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent more than 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 23-year history.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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