Ducks mascot earns honor for fourth consecutive year

(Central Islip, N.Y., Jan. 7, 2014) – The Long Island Press has announced the winners of the “Best of Long Island 2014” awards, and QuackerJack has once again been chosen as the “Best Long Island Mascot.” This marks the fourth consecutive year that QuackerJack has earned the honor in online voting conducted by the Long Island Press.

QJ would love the chance to celebrate with everyone who helped make this possible! The lovable mascot is available to appear at your next event in the Long Island community. CLICK HERE to schedule an appearance with the “Best Mascot on Long Island.”

In addition, Ducks infielder Ray Navarrete has been voted the “Best Long Island Duck,” earning the award for the third consecutive season and fourth time overall (2010, 2012, 2013). Navarrete just completed his franchise record eighth and final season with the Flock and is the Ducks all-time leader in hits, home runs, RBI, runs scored, doubles and games played. The Port Washington resident’s three-run home run in the fourth inning of Game Five in the Atlantic League Championship Series gave the Ducks a 4-1 lead en route to a 6-4 victory and the team’s second consecutive Atlantic League championship.

“I’m grateful to the voters of the Long Island Press,” said Navarrete. “This being my last season makes it more special and means next year it’s up for grabs!”

Pitcher Dontrelle Willis received second place honors in the “Best Long Island Duck” category after dominating on the mound in 2013. The nine-year Major League veteran went 5-4 with a 2.56 ERA, 52 strikeouts and three complete games in 14 starts. He was then signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization in August and reported to Triple-A Salt Lake. Outfielder Lew Ford took home third place in the category. After rejoining the Ducks on August 28, the former big leaguer earned a hit in 23 of the 24 games he played, including playoffs. In his fourth season as a Duck, Ford batted .377 with seven RBI and 11 runs in the regular season before compiling a .412 average in the postseason with one homer, two RBI and three runs scored.

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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