Ducks sign 10-year MLB veteran, three-time NL All-Star
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 5, 2017) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Eric Gagne. The 10-year MLB veteran begins his first season with the Ducks and 16th in professional baseball.
“Eric is similar to so many former Major League players that utilize the Atlantic League as a showcase to be seen by all 30 big league clubs,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “The Ducks are pleased to offer him this opportunity.”
Gagne spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1999-2006 and also pitched for the Texas Rangers (2007), Boston Red Sox (2007), and Milwaukee Brewers (2008). He made three consecutive All-Star teams from 2002 to 2004 and won the 2003 National League Cy Young Award.
The right-hander tied the National League record with 55 saves in 2003 while also posting a 1.20 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 82 and one-third innings. The Montreal native holds the MLB record for converting 84 consecutive save opportunities, doing so between August 26, 2002 and July 5, 2004. In 402 career MLB appearances, Gagne collected 187 saves and struck out 718 batters in 643.2 innings pitched.
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.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{2db62e8169997a8d599beca7d6013ac1e46056278d69ddd3df039f4c0be21f7d} of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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