(Central Islip, N.Y., Apr. 25, 2012) – The Long Island Ducks kicked off their 13th season by holding their annual Media Day and Season Ticket Holder Barbecue on Wednesday, April 25 at Bethpage Ballpark. Members of the media as well as season ticket holders were introduced to the team, which will open the season on Thursday night in Somerset.
The day began with Ducks founder and CEO Frank Boulton, president and general manager Michael Pfaff, manager Kevin Baez, pitcher Mike Loree and infielder Ryan Garko speaking and answering questions from the media in the Duck Club restaurant and bar. During the press conference, the Ducks announced that they will be dedicating the 2012 season to the memory of former manager Gary Carter, while the entire team will wear a commemorative “8” patch on their jerseys all season. The team then took the field for their final workout before opening night, with reporters conducting interviews with players and coaches.
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Following the workout, fans were introduced to the entire Ducks roster, which features nine players with Major League experience, the 2011 Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year (Loree) and the 2011 Atlantic League batting champion (Kraig Binick). Following player introductions, the team joined season ticket holders in the picnic area for the barbecue, signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans of all ages. To become a season ticket holder today, please CLICK HERE or call the Ducks ticket office at 631-940-3825.
The Ducks begin the 2012 regular season on Thursday night, as they take on the Patriots in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. from TD Bank Ballpark. Fans can follow all the action online by CLICKING HERE, with Chris King and Michael Polak calling the play-by-play. Streaming audio will be provided by iBN, the Internet Broadcast network. Fans can also keep track of the game pitch-by-pitch via Pointstreak’s GameLive application by CLICKING HERE.
Long Island will return home on Friday, May 4 for Opening Night, as the Ducks take on the Camden Riversharks. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m., with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 6:05. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a “Whistle Guy” Bobblehead, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. Tickets for the game and all Ducks home games are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark Box Office, calling (631) 940-TIXX, or by CLICKING HERE.