(Central Islip, N.Y., Mar. 30, 2012) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of outfielder James McOwen. The former Seattle Mariners farmhand begins his first season with the Ducks and first in independent baseball.
McOwen joins the Ducks having spent four seasons in the Mariners organization. His best season came in 2009 where he was fourth in the California League in batting average (.340) for the Single-A High Desert Mavericks. In addition, he totaled 10 home runs, 82 RBI, 79 runs, 152 hits, 23 doubles, eight triples, and 13 stolen bases. The left-handed hitter currently holds a California League record by hitting safely in 45 consecutive games during the 2009 campaign, which also ranked eighth in minor league baseball history.
A native of Florida, McOwen spilt time last year with the High Desert Mavericks and the Double-A Jackson Generals of the Southern League. The 26-year-old has a career batting average of .289 with 442 hits, 220 runs batted in and 78 doubles in 403 minor league games. The Florida International University alum was originally drafted by the Mariners in the sixth round of the 2007 amateur draft.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. Opening Day is May 4. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit