Zimmermann returns; Hall joins Flock; Six transactions in all

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 7, 2013) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of pitcher Bob Zimmermann and MLB veteran utility player Bill Hall and activated starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis from the inactive list. Zimmermann returns for his third season in a Ducks uniform while Hall begins his first season on Long Island and in the Atlantic League. In corresponding roster moves, the Ducks have released infielder Gabe Suarez and left-handed pitcher Royce Ring. The Ducks have also traded infielder Murray Watts to the El Paso Diablos of the American Association in exchange for future considerations.

“Bob was a key contributor in helping us win the Atlantic League championship last season,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “We are excited to have him back on the roster while adding an accomplished Major League veteran in Bill.”

Hall is a veteran of 11 seasons at the Major League level, spending time with six teams (Brewers, Mariners, Red Sox, Astros, Giants and Orioles). He has a .248 career average in 1,054 games played with 125 homers, 440 RBI, 210 doubles and 21 triples. The 33-year-old’s best season came in 2006 with the Brewers when he batted .270 with 35 home runs, 85 RBI, 101 runs and 39 doubles in 148 games.

The Mississippi native began the 2013 season with Salt Lake (AAA, Angels) of the Pacific Coast league and compiled one homer, seven RBI and four runs in 21 games. He spent the majority of 2012 with Norfolk (AAA, Orioles), posting 15 homers, 45 RBI and 18 doubles in 90 games and also spent time last season at the Major League level with the Orioles. Hall was originally drafted by the Brewers in the sixth round of the 1998 amateur draft.

Zimmermann made a team-high 27 starts in 2012 and posted a 4.32 ERA. He finished second in the league in strikeouts with 126 and fourth in the league with 179 innings pitched. The right-hander also made two starts in the playoffs and struck out 10 batters in eight and one-third innings pitched. In 2011, he pitched in 31 games (five starts) for the Flock, going 2-2 with a 4.41 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 67 and one-third innings.

The St. Louis native has played 10 seasons of professional baseball, reaching as high as Double-A in both the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals organizations. His best season came in 2004 when he posted a 2.26 ERA, 24 saves, and 82 strikeouts in 53 games for Single-A Cedar Rapids. The 31-year-old has a career record of 43-46 with a 4.34 ERA in 330 games (78 starts). Zimmermann was originally drafted by the Angels in the 4th round of the 2003 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.

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