First 1,500 fans to receive collector’s item on April 28

(Central Islip, N.Y., March 9, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks today unveiled their first promotional giveaway item for the season. The first 1,500 fans in attendance on Opening Night at Bethpage Ballpark (Friday, April 28) will receive Rich Hill Bobbleheads, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son.

“Rich has been a tremendous story for the Ducks and the Atlantic League,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “He used his opportunity with the Ducks as a showcase for all MLB clubs and has accomplished all his goals. We are happy to be a small part of that story and are excited to join with P.C. Richard & Son to help commemorate his outstanding achievements.”

The bobblehead features the Major League veteran as he winds up to fire one of his devastating curveballs at the Ducks’ home ballpark. The ceramic figure comes in a specially-designed collector’s box which details Hill’s incredible journey from Long Island back to the big leagues. The first 1,500 fans through the gates on April 28 will be able to take home this exclusive item courtesy of charter Ducks sponsor and Long Island (and America’s) #1 family-owned and operated appliance, electronics and mattress company, P.C. Richard & Son.

Hill joined the Ducks in July of 2015 and quickly made an impact. He threw 11 scoreless innings over two starts, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out 21 batters, including a franchise single game record of 14 on August 9. The following day, his contract was purchased by the Boston Red Sox organization. The southpaw was called up the Majors by the Red Sox a month later, where he has remained to this day. Since returning to “The Show,” Hill has compiled a 14-6 record with a 2.00 ERA and 165 strikeouts in 139 and one-third innings. This offseason, he signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, equaling the largest Major League contract ever signed by a former Atlantic Leaguer.

The Bethpage Ballpark gates will open at 5:35 p.m. on Friday, April 28 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). Fans are encouraged to arrive early for best chance at receiving a bobblehead, as they are limited to the first 1,500 fans entering the gates. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m. between the Ducks and New Britain Bees, and fans should be in their seats by 6:15 to enjoy traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance.

Fans can secure their tickets for Opening Night today by calling (631) 940-3825 and purchasing a season ticket package or 10-game mini plan (Pitcher plan). Individual game tickets for all 2017 Ducks regular season home games will go on sale Saturday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. as part of Opening Day of Ticket Sales. For more information, please CLICK HERE.

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 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games, and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15{2db62e8169997a8d599beca7d6013ac1e46056278d69ddd3df039f4c0be21f7d} of the US population.

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

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