15th Anniversary Season begins on Friday night
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 24, 2014) – Under bright sunshine and a brisk wind, the back-to-back Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks held their final team workout at Bethpage Ballpark on Thursday afternoon to prepare for the start of the 2014 season. The workout consisted of infield and outfield practice, pitcher’s fielding practice, bullpen sessions and batting practice.
“Spring training went very well,” said Ducks manager Kevin Baez following the workout. “We did all of the stuff that we needed to accomplish, and our goal is to start the season ready and try to win another championship.”
The quest to defend their back-to-back titles kicks off on Friday night as the Ducks return to the site where they won the 2013 Atlantic League championship: TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The Ducks and Somerset Patriots will play the first game of a three-game series, with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. Fans can follow all the action from the season opener live on the brand new radio home of the Ducks, 103.9-FM LI News Radio. Michael Polak will be calling the play-by-play on Long Island’s home for news, traffic, weather and Ducks baseball. The broadcast can also be heard online by CLICKING HERE. The North Shore LIJ/Southside Hospital Pre-Game Show will begin at 6:50 p.m.
Manager Kevin Baez has announced his starting line-up for the season opener, and both teams have revealed their pitching rotations for the series. To see both and hear from Baez and infielder Ryan Strieby, please visit the Official Blog of the Long Island Ducks, “Quack of the Bat!” The blog can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.
Following the three-game series in Somerset and a three-game set in Southern Maryland against the Blue Crabs, the Ducks will return home on Friday, May 2 for the 2014 Home Opener against the York Revolution. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 6:05. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Replica Championship Rings, courtesy of P.C. Richard and Son. Prior to the game, the Ducks will also host a Championship Ring and Banner Raising Ceremony to celebrate the team’s 2013 Atlantic League title. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 6:30 to enjoy this momentous occasion.
Tickets for the home opener and all 70 Ducks regular season home games are now on sale. Fans can purchase their tickets by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling 631-940-TIXX or by CLICKING HERE.
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.
###