Four-year MLB veteran signs with Ducks
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 16, 2016) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of infielder Ruben Gotay. The former big leaguer will begin his first season with the Ducks.
“Ruben will help solidify our infield and brings a wealth of experience into our clubhouse,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “We are excited to add a player like him to the roster.”
Gotay joins the Ducks with four seasons of Major League experience, spending two seasons with the Kansas City Royals (2004-05), one with the New York Mets (2007) and one with the Atlanta Braves (2008). In 316 games, he compiled a .255 batting average with 12 home runs, 77 RBI, 84 runs, 38 doubles and five triples. The Puerto Rico native posted big league career-highs in batting average (.295) and games played (98) during his 2007 campaign with the Mets while totaling four homers, 24 RBI and 25 runs.
The 33-year-old comes to Long Island in the midst of his 16th season of professional baseball. In that time, he has reached the Triple-A level with all eight organizations that he has played for. The infielder was named an MiLB.com Organization All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 and earned Mid-Season All-Star selections in 2013 with Springfield (AA, Cardinals) and 2014 with Louisville (AAA, Reds). He also earned Post-Season All-Star honors in 2004 with Wichita (AA, Royals) and 2013 with Springfield. The former Futures Game selection (2004) began the 2016 season with Saraperos de Saltillo in the Mexican League. Gotay was originally drafted by the Royals in the 31st round of the 2000 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.
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 34 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{f7b134541f126dcd33819b5eec9a91dff238b58155023223dba97c27371a7fb5} of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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