(Central Islip, N.Y., June 25, 2012) – Justin Hampson was called up from Triple-A Buffalo by the New York Mets on Monday, June 25, making the pitcher the 11th former Duck to make it back to the Major League level after playing on Long Island. Hampson joins Carlos Baerga, Bill Pulsipher, Nelson Figueroa, Pedro Borbon, Jr., Ken Ray, Mel Stocker, Jay Gibbons, Erick Almonte, Robinson Cancel and Joey Gathright as Ducks that have made it back to the game’s highest level after playing at the Duck Pond.

Hampson earned the promotion after compiling a 4-2 record with a 2.13 ERA and two saves in 28 games with the Buffalo Bisons. The left-hander struck out 42 batters in 42 and one-third innings while walking just 15. A native of Illinois, he pitched in four games out of the bullpen for Long Island in 2010, striking out four batters in four innings.

The 32-year-old has spent three seasons at the Major League level, pitching with the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. In 79 games (one start), he has a 5-4 record with a 3.38 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 96 innings. His best season came in 2007 with the Padres when he compiled a 2.70 ERA in 39 games. Hampson was originally drafted by the Rockies in the 28th round of the 1999 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.