The Long Island Ducks (independent; Atlantic League) will recognize a significant milestone on Friday, August 2, when they host their 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Prior to the Ducks 6:35 p.m. game against the High Point Rockers, the team will host a special on-field ceremony to commemorate its 20 seasons of professional baseball on Long Island. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:00 p.m. to enjoy the festivities, which will be emceed by Ducks broadcaster Chris King, who has been part of the Ducks broadcast team since the inaugural 2000 season.
The ceremony will feature appearances by a litany of special guests connected to the history of the Long Island Ducks and Bethpage Ballpark, including:
-Ducks Co-Owner Buddy Harrelson, whose number ‘3’ jersey is retired by the team;
-2004 Atlantic League Championship Series MVP Justin Davies, whose number ‘4’ jersey is retired by the team;
-2012 Atlantic League Championship Series MVP Dan Lyons;
-2012 and 2013 Atlantic League champion Ray Navarrete, whose number ‘16’ jersey is retired by the team.
Other special guests scheduled to attend include Congressman Peter King, Jim Petrocelli, whose company (J. Petrocelli Contracting, Inc.) built Bethpage Ballpark in 1999-2000, as well as Chris Vaccaro, the Executive Director of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. During the festivities, the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame will be unveiling a marker that will be permanently affixed outside Bethpage Ballpark to commemorate the Ducks as the longest-tenured professional sports team in Suffolk County History.
In addition to remarks from various dignitaries, video highlights from great moments in Ducks history will be played on the DuckVision video board in left-center field. Throughout the game, video messages from various members of the Ducks 20th Anniversary All-Time Team will also be featured on the DuckVision. The ceremony will be culminated by a special announcement from Ducks Founder/CEO/Owner Frank Boulton.