2015 Ducks pitcher signed by Kansas City Royals

(Central Islip, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2016) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced that pitcher Bruce Kern has been signed by the Kansas City Royals organization. He becomes the first member of the Ducks to be signed by a Major League Baseball or foreign organization in 2016.

“Bruce’s versatility on our pitching staff was a big asset for us this past season,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “We are very excited for him to receive this great opportunity and wish him the best of luck in the Royals organization.”

Kern became a member of the Ducks in 2015 after earning a roster spot out of Spring Training. The right-hander impressed as both a starter and a reliever, combining to post a 9-6 record with a 3.51 ERA over 40 games (13 starts). In addition, he struck out 102 batters while walking only 31 in 107 and two-thirds innings of work. The 27-year-old then struck out seven Somerset Patriots batters over six innings of three-run ball in Game Four of the Liberty Division Championship Series.

The Stony Brook native returns to affiliated baseball after spending the first five seasons of his career in the Colorado Rockies organization (2010-14). He reached as high as Double-A Tulsa in 2014 and compiled a 3.78 ERA with 15 saves and 148 strikeouts in 166 and two-thirds innings. Kern played at Bellport High School, Suffolk County Community College and St. John’s University before going on to pitch professionally. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the 23rd round of the 2010 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.

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