(Central Islip, N.Y., Nov. 4, 2026) – The Long Island Ducks today announced that manager Lew Ford, pitching coach Bobby Blevins and bench coach/hitting coach Tim Battle Jr. have signed three-year contract extensions through the 2029 season.

“Lew, Bobby and Tim have done an exceptional job leading our club and representing the Ducks organization,” said team president Michael Pfaff. “The 2026 season was truly historic, and their leadership was instrumental in our championship success. We’re excited to keep this outstanding staff together as we look to defend our title in 2027 and build on that success in the years ahead.”

The trio of Ford, Blevins and Battle Jr. have each achieved numerous accolades while serving on the Ducks coaching staff, including:

Lew Ford:

  • Franchise-best regular season record (80-46, .635 winning percentage) and undefeated postseason (6-0), culminating in the 2026 Atlantic League championship
  • Winning record in each of his three seasons as manager, including an overall record of 222-162 (.578 winning percentage)
  • 24 Ducks players have had their contract transferred during Ford’s managerial tenure, including 16 to Major League Baseball organizations
  • Three Ducks alumni – Robert Stock, Tyler Zuber and Matt Seelinger – have reached the Major League level after playing under Ford with Long Island

Bobby Blevins:

  • Guided the Atlantic League’s top pitching staff in consecutive seasons (2025 and 2026)
  • Led the Atlantic League in ERA (4.84), wins (80), strikeouts (1,175) and batting average against (.251) while allowing the fewest runs (663) and hits (1,050) in 2026
  • Seven pitchers have had their contract transferred to MLB organizations during Blevins’ three seasons as pitching coach, with three reaching the Major League level

Tim Battle Jr.:

  • Offense set an Atlantic League single-season record with 692 walks and set franchise single-season records in home runs (190) and stolen bases (320) in 2026
  • Long Island ranked second in the ALPB in batting (.288), OPS (.885), runs (899), hits (1,225) and RBIs (838)
  • Three position players had their contract transferred to Major League organizations in 2026

The Long Island Ducks are entering their 27th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, N.Y. They are the all-time leader in wins and attendance in Atlantic League history, have led all MLB Partner Leagues in total attendance for six consecutive seasons, have sold out a record 730 games all-time and are five-time Atlantic League Champions. For further information, please visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825).

###