Ducks sign MLB veteran

(Central Islip, N.Y., Aug. 15, 2013) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of first baseman/designated hitter Willis Otanez. The former Major Leaguer begins his second season with the Ducks and 12th in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

“We are happy to welcome Willis back to Long Island,” said Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “His success offensively in Mexico this year was impressive. We look forward to seeing him continue his highly productive season with the Ducks.”

Otanez combined to play 94 games in the Mexican League with Saltillo and Aguascalientes this year. He posted a mammoth .356 batting average while launching 26 home runs, good for sixth in the league, driving in 93 runs, which also ranked sixth and compiling a 1.075 OPS, good for fifth best.

The Puerto Rico native was a member of the Ducks in 2010 and batted .393 with two homers, 15 RBI and 14 runs in 21 games. Earlier that same season, he was named the Most Valuable Player of the Mexican League. Otanez combined for seven home runs, 24 RBI, 28 runs and 11 doubles in 74 Major League games with the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays in 1998 and 1999 and was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990.

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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