Long Island kicks off signings with pair of right-handers

(Central Islip, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2012) –The Long Island Ducks today announced their first player signings of the 2012 season, inking pitchers Jeremy Hill and Travis Minix. Hill returns for his second season with the Ducks while Minix begins his first year on Long Island and fifth in the Atlantic League.

“The first player signings of the year mean spring training is right around the corner,” says Ducks president/general manager Michael Pfaff. “We’re excited to get started.”

Hill pitched in 48 games out of the bullpen for Long Island in 2011, compiling a record of 8-2 with a minuscule 2.91 ERA. The righty also struck out 48 batters and held opponents to a .244 batting average in 68 innings of work, helping lead the Ducks to the Liberty Division championship.

The Dix Hills resident reached the Major Leagues in 2002 and 2003 as a member of the Kansas City Royals. In 11 big league appearances, he posted a 3.48 ERA and seven strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched. The 34-year-old has a 35-33 record in the minor leagues with a 3.50 ERA, 99 saves and 494 strikeouts. Hill was originally drafted by the Royals in the fifth round of the 1996 amateur draft.

Minix joins the Ducks after spending parts of the past four seasons with the Somerset Patriots. In 50 games during that time, the right-hander pitched to a 2.09 ERA and struck out 58 batters in 56 innings of work. Minix helped lead the Patriots to the Atlantic League title in both 2008 and 2009.

The 34-year-old will begin his 13th season of professional baseball in 2012. He has spent time in both the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Philadelphia Phillies’ organizations, reaching as high as Triple-A four times. For his minor league career, the Indiana native has totaled a 40-38 record with a 3.32 ERA and 55 saves in 480 games (31 starts). Minix was originally drafted by the Devil Rays in the 23rd round of the 1999 amateur draft.

The Long Island Ducks are entering their 13th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and have led the league in attendance in each of their first 12 seasons. Opening Day is May 4. For further information, please visit www.liducks.com or call (631) 940-3825.

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