Infielder joins Ducks roster and coaching staff

(Central Islip, N.Y., June 9, 2015) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks today announced the signing of infielder Randy Ruiz. The former Major Leaguer returns for his second season with the Ducks and will also serve as the team’s hitting coach.

“Randy was a big presence in the middle of our lineup during the 2014 season,” says Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “We are happy to have him back this year as well as add his experience to our coaching staff.”

Ruiz played in 45 games with the Ducks in 2014 and compiled a .298 batting average with nine home runs, 40 RBI, 29 runs, 11 doubles and one triple. He launched two homers in a game on three separate occasions and came within one run of tying the franchise record for RBI in a single game when he drove in seven runs on June 18 at Camden. His efforts earned him a contract with Veracruz in the Mexican League on July 8. The Bronx native began 2015 with Reynosa in the Mexican League and batted .258 with two homers, 19 RBI, 10 runs and nine doubles in 25 games.

The 37-year-old spent parts of three seasons in the Major Leagues, spending one year with the Minnesota Twins (2008) and two with the Toronto Blue Jays (2009-10). In 68 career games, he compiled a .272 batting average with 12 home runs, 25 RBI, 41 runs and 11 doubles. He was previously named MVP of the Pacific Coast League in 2009 and International League Rookie of the Year in 2008. Ruiz was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 36th round of the 1996 amateur draft.

In addition to his playing duties, Ruiz will begin his season in a coaching role as the Ducks’ hitting coach. Lew Ford, who has held the position since the beginning of the 2014 season, has been promoted to the role of bench coach. Bud Harrelson will now serve in the role of first base coach for the Flock (home games only).

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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