Nine-year big leaguer selected following inaugural three-day event in Florida
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 1, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced they selected the rights to left-handed pitcher Jon Niese at the Atlantic League’s Player Showcase, held this past weekend at the TigerTown complex in Lakeland, Fla.
“Jon looked very good on the mound this weekend,” said Ducks Manager Wally Backman. “I’m looking forward to working with him again and think he will be a great addition to our pitching staff.”
Niese spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues, including eight full seasons with the New York Mets (2008-15) and one season split between the Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates (2016). He compiled a 69-68 record with a 4.07 ERA, three complete games, two shutouts, 1,189.1 innings pitched and 914 strikeouts over 211 games (197 starts). The 32-year-old also made six relief appearances during the MLB playoffs in 2015, helping the Mets to a National League championship. In 2010, the Ohio native was named as one of the five starting pitchers on Baseball America’s Major League All-Rookie Team. Niese was originally selected by the Mets in the seventh round of the 2005 amateur draft.
A total of 11 players were drafted by Atlantic League clubs following the Player Showcase, which took place March 29-31. Over 300 players with varying levels of previous experience participated, including many with MLB service time. More than two dozen Major League Baseball clubs were represented at the event as well. CLICK HERE to see the full list of players selected.
“The Player Showcase was a great success in all aspects,” said Atlantic League President Rick White. “Player participation exceeded our initial forecasts and was impressive, while Prospect Dugout did a terrific job organizing and running the event. We are grateful to everyone who took part.”
The Atlantic League and Prospect Dugout, who produced the event, will announce plans for the 2020 Player Showcase in the coming months. Stay tuned to AtlanticLeague.com for further details.
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 over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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