Seven players from 2018 tryout signed by Atlantic League clubs, five by Ducks
 

(Central Islip, N.Y., Feb. 21, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the team will host an open player tryout at Bethpage Ballpark on Saturday, April 13th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. This marks the second consecutive year in which the Ducks will provide an opportunity for ballplayers to showcase their skills in advance of the Atlantic League season.

CLICK HERE to submit a registration form

“I’m very much looking forward to leading what is sure to be a wonderful event,” says Ducks Manager Wally Backman. “Several talented participants earned opportunities to play throughout the league last year, and we hope to see more of the same this year.”

Seven players that attended the 2018 open player tryout were signed by Atlantic League clubs during the season. Players signed by the Ducks included outfielder Robert Garcia, catcher Wagner Gomez, and pitchers Chris Pike, Tyler Honahan and Jason Creasy, the latter of which also had his contract purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Pitchers Junior Rincon and Matt Vogel each were signed by the York Revolution in 2018.

There will be an administration fee of $95 to participate in this year’s tryout ($110 on the day of the event). Coaches and representatives from the Ducks will be on hand to evaluate the players at the ballpark, including Manager Wally Backman, Pitching Coach Ed Lynch, Hitting Coach Lew Ford and President/GM Michael Pfaff. Select participants (chosen by the coaching staff) will earn the experience of playing in a live, on-field scrimmage following the tryout.

Position players are to report to Bethpage Ballpark no later than 8:30 a.m. for registration, while pitchers are required to report at 10:00 a.m. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and wear proper baseball attire to be eligible to try out. All attendees should provide their career statistics when reporting and must supply their own wooden bats and baseball gloves. Cleats/spikes are only to be worn while on the field, and all players must be prepared to wear sneakers/turf shoes prior to reaching the field. Participants will be required to sign a release form before trying out.

The Pro-Tryout Specifications will include:

  • Warmups
  • 60-Yard Dash
  • Pop Time (Catchers)
  • Infielders/Outfielders – Defensive Drills
  • Pitcher Warmup in Outfield
  • Position Players Hit BP, Pitchers Light Bullpen (pre-scrimmage)
  • Scrimmage begins at 12:00 p.m.

To register and reserve your tryout spot, please contact Michelle Jensen during normal business hours by calling (631) 940-3825 or emailing [email protected]. You may also CLICK HERE to download the registration form.

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)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
 

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