Pitcher becomes fourth Duck to have contract purchased in 2016
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 3, 2016) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced that right-handed pitcher Mark Blackmar’s contract has been purchased by the Washington Nationals organization. He will report to the team’s Advanced-A affiliate in Potomac, Md.
“Mark is incredibly deserving of this opportunity with the Nationals organization,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He has been one of the top pitchers in the Atlantic League this year, and we wish him nothing but the best of luck.”
Blackmar made 13 starts with the Ducks, tying for the Atlantic League lead in wins (6) while ranking second in ERA (2.72) and sixth with 79 and one-third innings. He posted a 6-2 record and struck out 51 batters while walking only 20. The 24-year-old tossed seven quality starts, allowed three runs or less in 10 of his starts and did not give up any runs in five of his outings.
The Texas native spent four seasons in the Baltimore Orioles organization and one with the Chicago White Sox before joining the Ducks. He made 100 appearances (62 starts) in those five years, compiling a 27-21 record with a 3.71 ERA and 240 strikeouts in 100 games (62 starts). The righty’s best year came in 2013 with Advanced-A Frederick when he posted a 10-1 record with a 3.18 ERA, one save and 83 strikeouts in 26 games (18 starts). Blackmar was originally drafted by the Orioles in the 16th round of the 2011 amateur draft.
Blackmar becomes the fourth Ducks player to have his contract purchased by a Major League or foreign organization in 2016. He joins infielders Nate Freiman (Boston Red Sox) and Mark Minicozzi (Vaqueros Laguana, Mexico) as well as pitcher Bruce Kern (Kansas City Royals).
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)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 34 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{f7b134541f126dcd33819b5eec9a91dff238b58155023223dba97c27371a7fb5} of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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