(Central Islip, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2009) – Atlantic League officials today announced the 2009 postseason All-Star team, as well as postseason award recipients. Ducks star Ray Navarrete became the first player in team history to be named Atlantic League Most Valuable Player.
“We’re very happy for Ray and proud of his accomplishments,” says Ducks CEO/principal owner Frank Boulton. “Ray has been our MVP for several years and now he is the leagues. This is a well-deserved honor.”
Navarrete had a career year, appearing in an Atlantic League record 139 games. The New Jersey native set five single-season Ducks’ records with games played (139), at-bats (531), runs (106), hits (164) and extra-base hits (66). The former Seton Hall Alum also set franchise records in home runs (72) and doubles (129). He led the league in RBI (96), hits, runs, extra-base hits and doubles (39), while finishing second in home runs (25), fifth in on-base percentage (.403) and third in slugging percentage (.531).
Others Ducks honored included left-handed starter of the year Troy Cate and closer of the year Billy Simas.
Cate set a new Ducks’ single-season record with 13 wins in 2009 and captured Player of the Months honors for July and September. The southpaw finished third in the Atlantic League in wins and second in ERA (3.28). Cate compiled a 4-0 record, with a 1.23 ERA in the month of September helping the Ducks reach their Atlantic League-record sixth consecutive playoff season. The California native became the fifth Duck in 2009 to sign with an affiliated club when he was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays organization on July 27, before re-signing with the Ducks in early August.
With leading the league in saves, Simas broke the All-time Ducks’ saves record, eclipsing the mark of 41 set by Todd Erdos. The former big leaguer established himself as the premier closer in the league, shutting the door on the opposition 27 times this season, six ahead of the nearest competitor. He finished fourth in appearances, taking the mound 60 times and limited the opposition to a .220 batting average.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park, and have played ten seasons in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.
