10-year MLB veteran closes book on 16-year professional career
(Central Islip, N.Y., May 21, 2017) – Long Island Ducks relief pitcher and 10-year MLB veteran Eric Gagne today announced his retirement from baseball following a 16-year-playing career.
Gagne was signed by the Ducks on May 5 and made five appearances out of the bullpen with the Flock. In his debut outing against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on that day, he pitched a perfect inning of relief and struck out two batters. The 41-year-old compiled a 42-26 career record in the minor leagues with a 3.41 ERA and 640 strikeouts in 118 games (108 starts).
The Montreal native spent 10 seasons at the Major League level. 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. He 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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