Ducks sign Brownell and DeBarr
(Central Islip, N.Y., Mar. 4, 2013) – The Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of right-handed pitchers John Brownell and Nick DeBarr. Both begin their second season with the Ducks and in the Atlantic League.
“John and Nick were important pieces of our pitching staff during the stretch run in 2012,” says Ducks president and general manager Michael Pfaff. “We are excited to have them both back on our staff this season.”
Brownell was acquired by the Ducks from the Grand Prairie Air Hogs of the American Association on September 5, 2012 and pitched in four games (three starts) during the regular season. He posted a 2-2 record while striking out 15 batters in 16 and one-third innings pitched. The South Dakota native shined in the playoffs, posting a 2.84 ERA in two starts and earning the victory in Game Four of the Atlantic League Championship Series against Lancaster.
Prior to joining Long Island, Brownell made 21 starts for Grand Prairie, going 8-7 with a 3.65 ERA while tossing four complete games (two shutouts). In 2011, he helped lead the Air Hogs to the American Association championship by going 11-5 with a 3.56 ERA in 20 regular season starts and 2-0 with a 1.05 ERA in two postseason outings. The 29-year-old has a 52-38 career record with a 3.98 ERA and 611 strikeouts in 167 games (105 starts). Brownell was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 27th round of the 2006 amateur draft.
DeBarr joined the Flock on September 17, 2012 after beginning the season as Brownell’s teammate in Grand Prairie. He allowed just one unearned run out of the bullpen in two regular season games for the Ducks before pitching in a pair of postseason games. As a starter with the Air Hogs, he compiled a 12-7 record with a 4.34 ERA and four complete games.
The 29-year-old has spent time in the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers organization, reaching the Triple-A level in 2008 and 2009. A native of California, he has a 48-39 career record with a 4.26 ERA and 24 saves in 298 games (62 starts). DeBarr was originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the 14th round of the 2002 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 April 26. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
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