Wins league championship; Named Finals MVP

(Central Islip, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2016) – Lew Ford, the Long Island Ducks all-time batting leader (.342), won the 2015-16 Dominican Professional Baseball League championship on Tuesday as a member of Leones del Escogido. In addition, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Championship Series.

“The energy level from the fans and players was crazy,” Ford said. “I wanted to win and gave everything I had to do it. They made us earn every win, and everyone stepped up their play for the final. It was an exciting series.”

Ford helped lead Leones del Escogido to the championship by hitting .368 (7-for-19) during their five games to one series win over Tigres del Licey (best-of-nine). In addition, he totaled one home run, four RBI, five runs scored and six walks, starting all six games in center field. Highlights of his performance were a RBI single in the eighth inning of a 5-1 win in Game One and a third inning two-run homer as part of a 6-4 win in Game Two.

The six-year Atlantic League veteran became the first imported player in league history to be named Finals MVP on multiple occasions. He previously received the honor while playing with Tigres del Licey two years prior in 2013-14. That year, the former big leaguer compiled a .346 batting average (9-for-26) with two doubles, two homers, six RBI, six runs and three walks in eight games.

“Receiving this honor truly means a lot to me,” noted Ford. “The team and fans treat me like I’m one of their own.”

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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