Outfielder/Hitting Coach selected Most Valuable Player by fans
(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2014) – On Sunday, September 21, which was Fan Appreciation Day at Bethpage Ballpark presented by Pepsi, the Long Island Ducks announced that outfielder/hitting coach Lew Ford has been named the 2014 Ducks/Delmonte-Smelson Most Valuable Player. The fifth-year Duck was chosen via fan voting on the Ducks official website, www.liducks.com, out of 10 nominees for the award.
Ford became the first person in Atlantic League history to play in all 140 games during the regular season. In addition, the former big leaguer set a new league record for hits in a single season with 189, breaking the previous record of 179 set by Victor Rodriguez (2004, Somerset Patriots). He continues to remain the Ducks all-time leader in batting average at .336 over his five seasons (2009, 2011-14).
Ford led the Atlantic league in games played, hits and doubles (40), while ranking second in batting average (.347), RBI (95), runs (100), total bases (278) and on-base percentage (.416). He also finished third in slugging percentage (.511) and fourth in at-bats (544) and extra-base hits (57). In addition, his 15 home runs ranked second on the Ducks behind Adam Bailey (20).
The Texas native’s outstanding season was also highlighted by being chosen to play in the Atlantic League All-Star Game on July 16 at Constellation Field and being named the Atlantic League Player of the Month for May. During the month, Ford led all Atlantic League regulars in batting average (.402), hits (47), total bases (75) and on-base percentage (.470). He finished second in RBI (33) and slugging percentage (.641) and third in runs scored (25). Included in the month were a 25-game on-base streak from May 3 to 30 and a 13-game hitting streak from May 13 to 25.
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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