Mauro “Goose” Gozzo to lead franchise in its inaugural season
 

(Central Islip, N.Y., Feb. 18, 2021) – Long Island Ducks pitching coach Mauro “Goose” Gozzo has been named the manager of the Gastonia Honey Hunters. Gozzo will lead the team during its inaugural season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The Ducks will immediately commence a nationwide search to fill the position of pitching coach.

“We could not be happier for ‘Goose’ or the Honey Hunters,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “It is a great fit that will net great results. Good luck to ‘Goose’ against everyone but the Ducks!”

Gozzo was named the Ducks pitching coach in January of 2020. He previously served as manager of the New Britain Bees in 2019, leading the club to a record of 72-68 and finishing above .500 in each half of the season. Additionally, four of Gozzo’s players had their contract purchased by Major League Baseball or foreign professional leagues during the year. The Connecticut native served as New Britain’s pitching coach in 2018 under current Ducks manager Wally Backman and guided the Bees to within two games of a playoff berth in the season’s first half.

The 54-year-old pitched in the Major Leagues during parts of six seasons. He combined to make 48 appearances (13 starts) with the Toronto Blue Jays (1989), Cleveland Indians (1990-91), Minnesota Twins (1992) and New York Mets (1993-94). Gozzo was originally selected by the Mets in the 13th round of the 1984 amateur draft.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call (631) 940-DUCK (3825).

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing 42 million fans to its family friendly ballparks over its 24-year history. Please visit AtlanticLeague.com.
 

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