Ford returns for his 13th season with the Ducks organization, more than any other player in franchise history, and ninth in a player/coach role. He is the franchise’s all-time hits leader with 1,002, making him one of just four players in Atlantic League history to reach 1,000 hits. He sits 94 hits away from tying former Ducks infielder Bryant Nelson as the all-time league leader (1,096). The Texas native has totaled 497 RBIs, 527 runs and 218 doubles in a Ducks uniform, which leaves him 51 RBIs, 72 runs and 27 doubles shy of tying Ray Navarrete for the Ducks all-time records. Ford’s 842 games with the Flock have him 46 shy of equaling Dan Lyons’ team record (888).

The 46-year-old has been selected to play in three Atlantic League All-Star Games (2014, 2015, 2018). In 2014, he became the second player in franchise history to be named the league’s Player of the Year after breaking the ALPB’s single-season records for hits (189) and games played (140). As a coach, the Central Islip resident has helped two other Ducks players be named Player of the Year (Jordany Valdespin, 2018; Steve Lombardozzi, 2021). Ford has amassed six seasons of Major League experience during his 23-year playing career, spending time with the Minnesota Twins (2003-07) and Baltimore Orioles (2012).