Ducks shortstop named team MVP, wins Whistle Player of the Year

(Central Islip, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2015) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks held a pre-game ceremony to honor Dan Lyons prior to their doubleheader on Sunday, September 13 against the Sugar Land Skeeters. The shortstop was voted by fans as the team’s Most Valuable Player for 2015, presented by Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers, and also earned P.C. Richard and Son Whistle Player of the Year honors.

“I’m extremely honored to receive both of these honors in front of our home crowd,” said Lyons. “These fans have been supportive all season long, and I appreciate them choosing me for this award.”

Lyons, who is in his fifth season with the Ducks, has compiled his best year on Long Island. In 124 games entering Sunday, he has posted team-leading totals in runs batted in (72), runs scored (72), triples (seven), walks (41) and sacrifice flies (9). In addition, the Minnesota native has clubbed a career-high 11 home runs and ranks second in the Atlantic League in slugging percentage (.464), third in RBI, runs, extra-base hits (44), total bases (206) and stolen base percentage (.900) and fourth in triples, batting average (.300) and on-base percentage (.368). Lyons was selected to play in the Atlantic League All-Star Game in July and compiled a 17-game hitting streak from August 8-24. For being voted the team MVP, Lyons received a special Citizen Eco-Drive watch, courtesy of Delmonte-Smelson Jewelers.

The 31-year-old earned P.C. Richard and Son Whistle Player of the Year honors for scoring the most runs in games which he was designated as the Whistle Player of the Game. Lyons finished the season with eight runs scored in eight games as the Whistle Player. Finishing second behind the shortstop was Cleary, Jr., who scored four runs in eight games, and placing third was infielder Cody Puckett, who tallied three runs in eight contests. By winning the Whistle Player of the Year competition, Lyons 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.

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