On Monday, April 11, Fairfield Properties Ballpark finally opened its doors for the 2022 season. They commenced Spring Training just in time to announce the return of one key roster member, and the addition of two others.
L.J. Mazzilli: Central Islip-Bound Once More
Heading into his third season with the Flock, L.J. Mazzilli aims to expand on his already impressive Ducks pedigree. Over the past two seasons, the 2019 Atlantic League All-Star has compiled a total slash of .298 batting average / 24 home runs / and 143 runs batted in. He has also scored 248 times, mashed 42 doubles, drawn 85 walks, and swiped 34 bags on the base paths over 223 games.
The 31-year-old second-generation professional ballplayer has also been known to amp up his play even more so when it matters most. He has posted a career .364 batting average in the postseason with Long Island. Prior to joining the Ducks of the Atlantic League, Mazzilli spent six minor league seasons with the New York Mets, and one with the New York Yankees. He made it as far as AAA.
From Fenway to the Flock!
Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Sam Travis will also join the club for the 2022 season.
After debuting for the Sox in 2017, Travis hit his first big league home run off future CY Young Award-winner, Cleveland’s Shane Bieber, on September 21, 2018 – a month before the once-cursed Sox would land their fourth World Series of the 21st century.
This Weekend at the Stadium
Also joining the Ducks: utility infielder and three-year professional player, Michael Wielansky. While his roster spot is solidified heading into Spring Training, a handful of others with local roots are still looking to make the team after surviving initial rounds of tryouts this past week.
Pitchers Alex Katz and James Varela of Manhasset and Levittown, respectively, have both seen affiliated action. In addition to pitching in 13 games with the Ducks in 2019, Katz reached Double-A for the Chicago Cubs organization last season. Varela pitched with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim system in 2019.
Outfielder Matt Catalfo (Manhasset) and infielder Jesse Russo (Westbury) were also tabbed to compete for a spot on the Ducks after standing out at Open Player Tryout Day on Saturday, April 9. As was The Messenger’s very own sportswriter, Dylan Flynn, a Smithtown native, Hauppauge HS graduate and middle infielder out of SUNY Purchase, class of 2021.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Flynn. “It’s something you dream of as a kid, playing professional baseball. I’m soaking up every second.”
Good luck to Dylan and the rest of the Flock-hopeful this upcoming weekend!
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The Ducks will host four spring training games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in preparation for the 2022 season. Long Island will take on the California Dogecoin, a team from the Liberation Professional Baseball League, and the Long Island Black Sox, a local amateur team, in two exhibition games apiece. Here is a look at the spring training schedule:
FRIDAY, APRIL 15 – Ducks vs. Dogecoin – 1:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16 – Ducks vs. Dogecoin – 1:00 p.m.
MONDAY, APRIL 18 – Ducks vs. Black Sox – 1:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, APRIL 19 – Ducks vs. Black Sox – 1:00 p.m.
“We were the first organization to hold an event at Ducks Stadium when it opened [in 2000], and we have done so every year since – with the exception of 2020, due to COVID,” said Jimmy Rose, Black Sox Manager and League President/Founder of the Long Island Stan Musial Men’s Baseball League. “We are proud to be associated with the Ducks of the Atlantic League.”
Admission to the game on April 16 will be free for all fans as part of the team’s Fan Fest event, with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. Admission to the other three exhibition games will be free for Ducks full season ticket holders, while a $5 donation to the QuackerJack Foundation will apply for all other fans. Gates for those three games will open at 12:30 p.m.
The Ducks will begin the 2022 season on Friday, April 22, with Opening Night at Fairfield Properties Ballpark. The Ducks will host the York Revolution at 6:35 p.m., with the ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full season ticket holders). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive Ducks Baseball Caps, courtesy of P.C. Richard and Son, and it will also be an Angela’s Pizza Friday. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:15 to enjoy pregame team introductions. Tickets for the game, and all Ducks games, are available by visiting the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE.
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The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball. Over 8 million fans have enjoyed the Ducks brand of affordable, fun entertainment at Fairfield Properties Ballpark since inception in 2000. For further information, visit LIDucks.com or call 631-940-DUCK (3825)
