Ducks kick off workouts in advance of 2017 season

(Central Islip, N.Y., April 10, 2017) – The three-time Atlantic League champion Long Island Ducks began their spring training workouts at Bethpage Ballpark on Monday, in preparation for the team’s 18th season of play. The 2017 season opens on Thursday, April 20 when the Ducks visit the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at 6:35 p.m., with the home opener to follow on Friday, April 28 at Bethpage Ballpark vs. the New Britain Bees.

“We’re excited to get going,” said Ducks Manager Kevin Baez. “Everyone came into camp ready to work hard to bring home a fourth Atlantic League championship.”

The following is the team’s full spring training roster:

Pitchers
Catchers Infielders Outfielders
David Aardsma (RHP) Dominic Blanco Giovanny Alfonzo Delta Cleary Jr.
John Brownell (RHP) Alex Burg Nate Freiman Fehlandt Lentini
Keith Couch (RHP) Nate Irving* Marc Krauss Nolan Reimold
Patrick Crider (LHP)   Dan Lyons Angelo Songco
Eury De La Rosa (LHP)   Cody Puckett  
Amalio Diaz (RHP)   Elmer Reyes  
Jim Fuller (LHP)      
Matt Larkins (RHP)      
Tyler Levine* (RHP)      
Tim Melville (RHP)      
Dennis O’Grady (RHP)      
Rafael Perez (LHP)      
Rob Rogers* (RHP)      
Jack Snodgrass (LHP)      
Zac Treece (RHP)      
Chin-Hui Tsao (RHP)      
Tyler Wilson (RHP)      
       
*Spring Training Invitee      


In addition to team workouts, the Ducks’ spring training schedule will include four exhibition games, including three at Bethpage Ballpark. The slate begins with a home-and-home series against the cross-sound rival Bridgeport Bluefish and concludes with back-to-back home exhibition games against local amateurs, the Long Island Black Sox (complete schedule below). Admission to the game on Saturday, April 15 against Bridgeport will be free of charge as part of the team’s Fifth Annual Fan Fest taking place that day. CLICK HERE or call (631) 940-3825 to find out more information about Fan Fest. The games against the Black Sox will be free for season ticket holders while a $5 donation to the QuackerJack Foundation will apply for the general public.

The complete spring training schedule is as follows:

Thursday, April 13 – 10:30 a.m. – Ducks at Bridgeport
Saturday, April 15 – 1:00 p.m. – Bridgeport at Ducks
Monday, April 17 – 12:00 p.m. – Black Sox at Ducks
Tuesday, April 18 – 12:00 p.m. – Black Sox at Ducks

Following a season-opening road trip, Opening Night at Bethpage Ballpark will take place on Friday, April 28 when the Ducks host the New Britain Bees at 6:35 p.m. Gates will open at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders), and the first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Rich Hill Bobbleheads, courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:15 p.m. to enjoy pre-game team introductions and traditional Opening Night pomp and circumstance. Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, can be purchased by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark Box Office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Season tickets, 10-game mini plans and group outings are also available by calling (631) 940-3825.

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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