Ducks offer excitement, value

A family of four can still enjoy a night at the ballpark without breaking the bank.

The Long Island Ducks, in their 12th season in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, offer seats for a little as $10, free parking, and a promotional giveaway at nearly every home game at Bethpage Ballpark in Central Islip.

“With $10 tickets and free parking, we don’t compete against the Mets or Yankees, we compete against movie theaters,” President/General Manager Michael Pfaff said. “When you want to spend a beautiful spring or summer evening with the family, there is no better entertainment value for your discretionary dollar. We also have the best mascot [Quackerjack] in New York sports.”

The Ducks, led by new manager Kevin Baez, play their first of 72 home games this Friday night against top rival Bridgeport. The first 2,000 fans through the gates receive a Baez bobblehead doll courtesy of P.C. Richard & Son. A day/night doubleheader is set for Saturday, capped by a Grucci Fireworks extravaganza presented by New York Community Bank following the 7:05 p.m. game. The first 1,500 fans for the 1:05 p.m. game receive a Replica Ballpark courtesy of Bethpage.

Other giveaways during the first half of the season, which runs through July 10, include cowbells, team hats, quackers, T-shirts and foam fingers.

“Having 90 percent of our home games sponsored with co-branded premium giveaway items is another way to pound more value back into the ticket,” Pfaff said. “When you walk into the ballpark with a $10 ticket and receive a hat or T-shirt you would have paid $10 for, it’s a win-win. The fans get added value, while the sponsors enjoy the exposure.”

The Ducks have their sights on the Liberty Division title after compiling an overall record of 70-68 in 2010. They went 36-34 in the first half and played .500 ball (34-34) following the all-star break.

Baez, who spent three years as a player in the organization and was a member of the Ducks 2004 championship team as well as all-star game MVP, is excited about the roster comprised by Pfaff and owners Frank Boulton, Bud Harrelson and Seth Waugh.

“I’m excited, not only about the talent we have on the field but also the character we’ve got in the clubhouse,” Baez said. “We have high hopes of bringing a league championship back to Long Island.”

An experienced pitching staff, from the five projected starters to closer Duaner Sanchez, can carry the Ducks a long way. Sanchez, who won 10 games for the Mets between 2006-08, said he’s feeling 100 percent and glad to be back in the New York area. “Everyone here has made me feel welcome,” he said. “Being comfortable and in a good situation, that’s what really matters.”

Joselo Diaz, who went 5-2 on the mound last season, heads a starting rotation that includes former major leaguers Heath Phillips, Ruddy Lugo, Lenny DiNardo, and Mike Parisi. The lineup features infielder Ray Navarrete, the franchise’s all-time RBI leader with 341, and speedy outfielders Lew Ford and Kennard Jones.

“On paper, everything looks good,” Baez said. “We just have to go out when the bell rings and play solid, fundamental baseball and play hard.”    

Individual game tickets, 10-game mini plans, and seats for groups of 25 or more can be purchased through www.liducks.com or by calling (631) 940-3825. Birthday party and picnic area packages are also available.

CONTEST: WIN DUCKS TICKETS! 
To win a 4-pack of tickets to see the Ducks play the Road Warriors on Aug. 16, predict how many victories the Ducks will get in the first half (63 games) of the Atlantic League season. Go to www.liherald.com/contests to enter. Deadline is Monday, May 9.