John Brownell rejoins Flock

(Central Islip, N.Y., Feb. 27, 2014) – Right-handed pitcher John Brownell has signed with the Ducks for 2014, the team announced on Thursday. The 2013 Atlantic League Championship Series Most Valuable Player and Ducks/Delmonte-Smelson Team MVP begins his third season with Long Island.

“John’s performance over the past two seasons has been outstanding,” said Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “He will play a vital role in our success in 2014 as well.”

Brownell started a team-high 26 games in 2013 and led the Atlantic League with seven complete games and two shutouts. He ranked second in the league with 133 strikeouts (Chris Cody, York, 139), third with 166 and one-third innings pitched and ninth with a 3.90 ERA. The Oklahoma native started and won three postseason games, compiling a 2.88 ERA and 21 strikeouts to just six walks in 25 innings of work. Brownell set a franchise playoff record with 12 strikeouts in a complete game win in Game One of the Liberty Division Championship Series. He then tossed eight strong innings in both Game One and the decisive Game Five of the League Championship Series to earn MVP honors.

The 30-year-old first joined Long Island in September of 2012 after beginning the year with Grand Prairie of the independent American Association. He made four appearances (three starts), going 2-2 with 15 strikeouts in 16 and one-third innings. He then started two playoff games, posting a 2.84 ERA and earning the victory in Game Four of the ALCS against Lancaster. The University of Oklahoma alum has eight seasons of professional baseball experience and was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 27th round of the 2006 amateur draft.

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.

###