Ducks right-handed pitcher receives annual honor; Rey Fuentes named Whistle Player of Year
(Statistics through end of 2019 regular season)
(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced that right-handed pitcher Joe Iorio has been voted the team’s Most Valuable Player for the 2019 season, presented by Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers. The announcement was made prior to the Ducks regular season home finale on Sunday, September 22, which was Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark, presented by Pepsi.
Iorio received the most selections during fan voting at LIDucks.com for the team’s MVP award. The right-hander has excelled as both a starting pitcher and a reliever in this season. He began the season in the bullpen, posting a 1-0 record and a 0.53 ERA in 10 games, yielding just one run over 17 innings of work. He then moved into the starting rotation and compiled a 4-3 record with a 3.20 ERA in 19 starts for the Flock. The West Islip native is 6-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 32 appearances this season, ranking first among Ducks in innings pitched (128.1) and fourth on the club in strikeouts (92). Iorio was selected to play in the Atlantic League All-Star Game as well, tossing a scoreless inning in the game on July 10th at York’s PeoplesBank Park. For being chosen as the Team MVP, Iorio received a luxury wristwatch, courtesy of Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers.
The Ducks also announced that outfielder Rey Fuentes has been named the P.C. Richard and Son Whistle Player of the Year. The former big leaguer scored the most runs in games which he was designated as the Whistle Player of the Game. Overall, Fuentes has scored 65 runs this season, a total that ranks second on the team behind only L.J. Mazzilli. He compiled a .258 batting average and a .340 on-base percentage in 100 games played, totaling 14 homers, 47 RBIs, 65 runs, 94 hits, 16 doubles, two triples and 18 stolen bases. By winning the Whistle Player of the Year competition, Fuentes received a $500 gift card, courtesy of P.C. Richard and Son.
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)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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