Francisco "K-Rod" Rodriguez - All-Time MLB Single-Season Save Leader

Autographed Francisco Rodriguez Official Atlantic League Baseball
Autographed 2018 Francisco Rodriguez Long Island Duck Pocket Schedule

On April 29, 2018, the Long Island Ducks announced that they had signed the all-time, single-season MLB save leader (62) Francisco Rodriguez to minor league deal. Also known as “K-Rod”, Rodriguez is ranked 4^th in all-time Major League career saves with 430 -- trailing only Mariano Rivera, Trevor Hoffman and Lee Smith on the career saves list.

The Venezuelan-born closer, and six-time MLB All Star, lead the American League in saves in three different seasons (2005,06,08); having save conversion percentages of around 90% or higher in each of those seasons.

Chris Ashby - Atlantic League Consecutive Game Hitting Streak Record

Chris Ashby Autographed & Inscribed Game-Used Official Atlantic League Baseball

On Saturday night, August 16, 2018, York Revolution infielder Chris Ashy went 0 for 4 in a game against Somerset (which included a hit that was later in game changed to an error) and with that ended the first baseman’s 30-game consecutive hit streak -- establishing a new Atlantic League record.  Ashby had recently come out of retirement to enjoy the record run of his streak.

The post game wrap that night included an additional review of the overturned hit-to-error play that resulted in returning it back to the originally-scored hit – which extended Ashby’s streak and the Atlantic League record to 31 games – where his streak eventually ended.

Another unique situation that arose with an Atlantic League hitting streak, involved Joe Jiannetti’s 2006 hit streak that bridged two seasons (with 3 games in the beginning of 2007) and also bridged Jiannetti playing for two different teams (Atlantic City and Newark respectively). Originally, when the streak ended it was marked at 28 games. However, a post-streak audit discovered a game that was counted twice in the record keeping and Jainnetti’s streak was then adjusted down to 27 games.

Other notable Atlantic League consecutive hit streaks:

31 Games (2008) Chris Ashby - York

28 Games (2016) Isaias Tejada – York

27 Games (2006/07) Joe Jiannetti – Atlantic City/Newark

27 Games (2005) Billy Hall – Somerset

27 Games (2006) Victor Rodriguez – Newark

26 Games (2017) Anthony Giansanti – Sugar Land

Somerset Patriots Top 20 Anniversary Signed Atlantic League Baseball

During the 2017 baseball season, the Somerset Patriots celebrated their 20th-anniversary by announcing their top 20 Somerset Patriots of all-time. This list was composed by a hybrid method having a panel of experts rate the top 20 players that were voted on by fans.

On August 31st, the Patriots invited 5 retired Top 20 Patriots players back to TD Bank Ballpark, joining 3 current roster Top 20 players, and celebrated this history.

Above is a 20th-anniversary official Atlantic League baseball with Steve Kalafer's director's signature imprinted on the sweet spot (the official baseball for 2017 Patriots) with 9 signatures of the 20 anniversary team members: Adam Donachie, Corey Smith, Casey Cahill, David Vidal, Justin Jensen, Elliott Ayala, Aharon Eggleston, Jon Hunton and Josh Pressley. This is a work in progress. I will post updates as signatures are added.

Eric Gagne - 2003 N.L. Cy Young Award Winner & 3X All Star

Autographed Eric Gagne Official Atlantic League Ball and 2017 Long Island Duck Pocket Schedule

Setting a major league record by converting 84 consecutive save opportunities bridging the 2002-2004 seasons; Eric Gagne tied a National League record for saves in 2003 with 55 saves pitching as the closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The performance that year, combined with a 1.20 ERA, was impressive enough to earn the right-hander the 2003 National League Cy Young Award – an award usually reserved for starting pitchers.

On May 5^th, 2017, the 41-year-old, three-time N.L. All-Star Gagne joined the Long Island Ducks as a relief pitcher to try to work on developing a new slider to aid his hopes of returning to the major leagues.

2016 Inaugural New Britain Bees Team

Autographed 2016 Inaugural New Britain Team Official Atlantic League Baseball

Having 2016 as their inaugural season, the New Britain Bees played their first regular-season home game at New Britain Stadium on April 21^st, vs. the York Revolution. New Britain joined and rebalanced the Atlantic League following a season where the Camden Riversharks ceased operations in 2015.

Atlantic League-veteran skipper Stan Cliburn served as the Bee’s first manager; making his way north from managing Southern Maryland in 2015 and returning to New Britain where he managed the affiliated Rock Cats from 2001-05.

Cliburn led the Bees to a winning record 71-69 in their first year as the Bees served as a pitching reservoir for affiliated scouts seeking quality pitching. Many former-major-league hurlers on the Bees roster were signed during their opening season including pitchers: Nick Greenwood (Twins), Eric Fornataro (Orioles), Josh Outman (Pirates) and Josh Zeld (Mets). New Britian’s front office eye for pitching talent also paid dividends to the team as RHP Kyle Simon earned the 2016 Atlantic League ERA crown.

Atlantic League 1,000 Hit Club Autographed Baseball

Here is a nice piece of Atlantic League memorabilia; an official baseball signed by all three members of the Atlantic League 1,000 Hit Club!

At TD Bank Ballpark on Friday, July 27, 2012, in the sixth inning of the first game of a doubleheader, Patriot 3^rd baseman Jeff Nettles singled to left-center off Southern Maryland pitcher Nick Green to become the first player in Atlantic League history to reach the 1,000-hit milestone.

Click here to watch the video.

Barely over one year later, on August 3, 2013, Long Island Duck Ray Navarrete hit a home run to left field off of York Revolution pitcher Michael Wuertz to become the second player in league history to join the 1,000 Hit Club.

Click here to watch the video:

On June 2, 2016, at Regency Furniture Stadium, Bryant Nelson became the third member of this hit club playing for Southern Maryland, driving a hit off Somerset pitcher Darin Gorski on his way to becoming the Atlantic League All-Time Hit King.
Click here to read the story:

Bill Madlock - 4X NL Batting Champ & Newark Bears Manager

Autographed 2004 Newark Bears Choice Team Set #27
Autographed Atlantic League Baseball Inscribed "Newark Bears MGR 2003-04"

With a major league career batting average of .305 and four National League Batting Championships (1975,1976, 1981 and 1983) to his name, Bill Madlock became the 3rd manager of the Atlantic League’s Newark Bears taking the helm for the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

Nicknamed “Mad Dog” for his ability to get riled up with umpires, Madlock’s two-year managerial tenure saw some of the most recognizable MLB names in Atlantic League history on his rosters including Jamie Navarro, Jose Lima and the 44-year-old All-Time Stolen Base King Rickey Henderson.

Madlock quibbed about having the elite base stealer on his Bear’s teams, ”I had the greatest base stealer in the world those years, and if you don’t believe me you can ask him yourself and he will tell you the same thing…”

Jeff Nettles - Atlantic League and Somerset All-Time Great

Autographed Atlantic League Baseball
(r.) Autographed 2004 Somerset Patriots Multi-Ad Team Set #9
(l.) 2012 Somerset Patriots Choice Team Set #21 (Unsigned)

A few days before Christmas in 2002, a concerned father called a former teammate and friend to inquire whether he had a roster slot open for his son to allow his son to continue his professional career after being abruptly released from affiliated ball. Manager Sparky Lyle told Graig Nettles his son was welcomed at Somerset.

As history would unfold, it was actually Graig Nettles who did the favor for an old friend that winter day.

Jeff Nettles went on to become, as the Wall Street Journal titled him, “…the most recognizable fixture in the Atlantic League” and accomplished the greatest career the Atlantic League has ever seen accumulating more at bats (3.715), hits (1,052) and RBI’s (667) than any other player in history at the time of his retirement while finishing in second place all-time for career home runs, runs and doubles as well.

Nettles’ ability to compile career stats was also met with his ability to elevate his play when it counted. Nettles remains the only player in Atlantic League history to be recognized with league championship MVP awards in two different years.

During his first year with Somerset, the great defensive third baseman hit .450 with a home run and five RBI’s while scoring four runs in the 2003 postseason to bring the Patriots their second league title; defeating Nashua in a five game series in the championship series.

In the 2009 Atlantic League Championship Series, Jeff Nettles hit .375, while hitting three home runs and driving in six runs in four games to bring Somerset their fifth title defeating Southern Maryland.

In all, Jeff Nettles led Somerset to three championship titles while on their roster (2003/05/09).

To quantify Jeff Nettles’ consistency and prominence at the plate during his days with Somerset, if you break out his career stats to average 125 games a year played, his average offensive year would calculate to 131 H’s, 27 DB’s, 19 HR’s and 83 RBI’s per season.

In 2012, Nettles was voted the greatest Patriot in franchise history when polling fans, players, coaches and team officials.

Justin Davies - 2004 ALCS MVP & Long Island Duck Great

Autographed 2014 Long Island Ducks 15th Year Anniversary Team Set #6
2003 Northwestern Mutual Financial Justin Davies Bobblehead
2004 Davis Vision Justin Davies Bobblehead

West Babylon, Long Island-native Justin Davies was a last-minute roster addition for the 2000 Long Island Ducks' inaugural season after Ruben Sierra decided to play baseball in Mexico yielding an open roster slot. Davies made the most of this opportunity and went on to have one of the most storied careers in franchise history.

For the next six seasons (2000-05), the centerfielder’s play and constant community presence would establish him as the face of the franchise. This recognition would apex in the 2004 postseason when Davies’ clutch hitting (including two game-winning hits and a .385 BA) would bring Long Island its first-ever Atlantic League Championship and Davies the series MVP award.

Upon his retirement, Davies left the Duck's career leader in games played (637), hits (615), runs (426) and stolen bases (149); still holding the stolen base mark to this day.

On June 19, 2015.The Long Island Ducks honored Davies by making his number ”4” the first, retired player’s number in their team history. 

Rickey Henderson - All-Time Stolen Base and Runs-Scored King

Autographed Baseball & 2003 Newark Bears Team Set Card # 5 (Unsigned)

Through his 24-year MLB career, Rickey Henderson cemented his legend as the greatest lead-off hitter that the game of baseball has ever known.

Henderson gained this distinction by establishing the MLB career marks for runs scored (2,295-surpassing Ty Cobb); and Steals (1,406-surpassing Lou Brock with 50% more stolen bases).

In 2009, the 3,000-Hit-Club member received 94.8% of votes on the BBWAA ballots and was enshrined in Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility.

In 2003, “The Man of Steal” became a member of the Newark Bears and played for two seasons in the Atlantic League; thrilling fans with 37 stolen bases in 2004. Commenting on his tenure in the League, Henderson said: “I had a great time. To tell you the truth, I probably had a better time than I did in the major leagues,”… “In the major leagues, we always worry about how well we’re doing. When I got a chance to play in independent ball, it wasn’t about how well you do but how much fun you’re having, and I had a great time.”

Sparky Lyle - 1977 American League Cy Young & 5x Championship Manager

Autographed Atlantic League Baseball (Center)
Autographed 2004 Somerset Patriots Multi-Ad Team Set # 28 (Top)
Autographed 2015 Somerset Patriots Choice Team Set #32 (Right)
Autographed 2013 Somerset Patriots Choice Team Set #30 (Bottom)
Autographed 2012 Somerset Patriots Choice Team Set #1 (Left)
2015 Somerset Patriot Yearbook

As a 15-year Major League Veteran, Sparky Lyle fired his nasty slider in high-pressure situations at wincing American League hitters to become the premier relief closer of the 1970’s.

The two-time, back-to-back New York Yankee World Champion (1977,78), two-time American League Save Leader (1972, 76) and three-time All-Star ( 1973,76,77) won the 1977 American League Cy Young Award – becoming the first relief pitcher to win the award in the junior circuit.

Lyle’s signature moment came in the Game 4 of the 1977 ALCS where, with the Yankees facing elimination, Lyle stretched his pitch count out over 5 1/3 shutout innings in long relief allowing the Kansas City Royals only 2 hits.

Sparky’s success transitioned well into the Atlantic League.  As the very first employee of the Somerset Patriots (1997), Lyle’s personality and recognition was instrumental in establishing a successful franchise for Somerset.  With no prior professional managerial experience, Lyle went on to lead the Patriots to 5 Atlantic League Championship (2001,03,05,08,09) in 15 years at the helm and retired the winningest manager in Atlantic League history overseeing 1,025 victories.

Lyle transitioned into Somerset's Manager Emeritus in 2012, allowing him still to promote the team; eventually having his number “28” retired with the Patriots in 2014.

Gary Carter - 2003 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee

Autographed 2009 Long Island Duck Yearbook Page & Game-used Atlantic League Baseball.
2009 Long Island Ducks Choice Team Set Card #29 (Unsigned)

Five-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, three-time-consecutive Gold Glove winner, and two-time All-Star Game MVP (11 appearances); Gary Carter’s baseball achievements were only matched by his enthusiasm on the field for the game of baseball.

The 19-year MLB Veteran, slugged 298 homeruns as a catcher (324 lifetime) and was an early marquee player for the Montreal Expos and one of the final pieces added to a New York Mets team that would win a World Championship for the city of New York in 1986.

The pinnacle of Carter’s Major League career came in 2003 when he was enshrined at Cooperstown.

The Hall of Famer was a member of the Long Island Ducks’ family for their 10^th anniversary season (2009) and as their manager led the team to a .529 winning percentage for the season and a second-half Liberty Division title

Ray Navarrete - 2009 Atlantic League Player of the Year

Autographed 2009 Long Island Ducks Choice Team Set #19 (MVP Card) & Long Island Ducks Souvenir Baseball.
10th Anniversary All-Time Ducks Choice Team Set #11 (Unsigned)

After a six-year run within the Pittsburgh Pirates’ and New York Mets’ organizations, Ray Navarrete entered the Atlantic League in 2005, and went on to have one of the most successful careers the league has ever known.

The Seton Hall alumnus established himself as the franchise face of the Ducks partaking in eight seasons (2006-2013) and two league championships eventually retiring with Long Island’s career offensive records in six categories including: games played (863); hits (963); home runs (137); RBI’s (548); runs scored (599) and doubles (245).

Navarrete’s best season came in 2009 when he was selected the Atlantic League Player of the Year; compiling a .309 batting average with 25 home runs, 96 RBI’s and 106 runs.

Navarrete entered the Atlantic League 1,000 Hit Club “with an exclamation point” on August 3, 2013, with a home run against York becoming only the second Atlantic League player (with Jeff Nettles) in league history to join this elite group.

The end of the 2013 season brought retirement in style as Navarrete hit a 3-run home run in the deciding game 5 of the Championship Series against Somerset putting the Ducks in the lead for good and bringing the Atlantic League Championship Trophy home to Long Island for a second straight year.

Pete Rose; All Time Hit King - Bridgeport Bluefish Manager For A Day

Pete Rose Autographed NL Baseball.

Bridgeport Bluefish Commemorative Pete Rose Managerial Ticket & T-Shirt

In 1988, Minor league GM and promotional legend Ken Shepard vowed to sleep in a press box until his team, the Geneva Cubs (Class A), broke their losing streak.  Shepard ended up sleeping in the press box for 12 long nights but the national attention his pledge brought increased Geneva’s attendance during this streak by 36%.

But Shepard may have saved his biggest promotional splash for his time as GM of the Bridgeport Bluefish.

On June 16, 2014, – with MLB’s permission – All-Time-Hit-King Pete Rose returned and participated on a roster of a professional baseball team for the first time in 25 years. Rose had received a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on baseball.

Rose served as the Bluefish’s manager that day, as Shepard brought national coverage (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Chicago Tribune, etc…) to the city of Bridgeport and his team. For his efforts, Shepard was awarded the 2014 Atlantic League’s Executive of the Year posthumously.

Dontrelle Willis - 2003 National League Rookie of the Year

Autographed Long Island Ducks
Souvenir Baseball

2013 Long Island Ducks
Choice Team Set Card #25

Exploding on the Major League scene with his high leg kick in 2003, Dontrelle Willis went 14-6 with the Florida Marlins and claimed the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2005, “The D-Train” was runner up to Chris Carpenter for the National League Cy Young Award; winning 20 games for Florida for the first time in Marlin history.

Having a resume that included 9 big-league seasons spanning 4 MLB teams, Willis joined the Long Island Ducks in 2013 and impressed the California Angels organization enough to earn a contract from their Triple-A team, the Salt Lake Bees, the same year.