The Long Island Ducks, now midway into their third year of existence in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, have had more than their share of second place finishes.

Managed by Don McCormack, the Ducks compiled a respectable 35-28 first-half record and fell just one game short of winning the North Division and securing a playoff spot in September. They were edged out by the Bridgeport Bluefish, who clinched first place with a 36-27 mark. Had the Ducks fared better than 2-7 against the ‘fish in head-to-head…er, make that bill-to-gill competition, the results would have been different.

So, for the fourth time in their brief five-half history, Long Island has to settle for second.

But all is not lost. Unlike Major League Baseball, the Atlantic League implements a two-half system of determining which clubs make it to postseason play. The first- and second-half champions from the North and South Divisions will all advance.

In top photo, Ducks DH Patrick Lennon (#34) led the Atlantic League in home runs with 19 and RBIs with 60 for the first half of the season. Above LI Duck Ryan Balfe gets congratulatory high-fives from teammates after belting a home run in a recent game.

The Ducks can still snatch a playoff berth by either winning the second half or, if the same team wins both halves, by having the top full season league record – like a wild card. Based on this year’s abundant offensive output, one has to like their chances of capturing either.

Long Island’s primary source of first-half success was their bats. As a team, the Ducks bested every other ballclub in most of the major offensive categories, posting a .280 batting average, 367 runs scored and 610 hits.

Individually, catcher Francisco Morales, a fan favorite, hit .341 and designated power hitter Patrick Lennon .314, ranking them second and sixth, respectively, among the league’s Top 10 batters. Centerfielder Justin Davies finished in the Top 5 in stolen bases (23), runs scored (51) and on-base percentage (.407). He also drew a team-high 52 walks.

The Ducks enjoyed an 11-game winning streak that spanned from May 23rd to June 2nd, setting a franchise record for consecutive victories. Lennon batted .400 during that stretch with five home runs and Davies reached base safely in every game with 12 bases on balls and eight steals. Long Island doubled their opponent’s run total by a lopsided 72-36 margin.

The pitching staff was stellar during the 11 games. Starter Jim Bullinger went 2-0 with a microscopic 0.56 earned run average, allowing only one run in 16 innings of work. Righty Rusty Meacham tossed a complete game two-hitter and sported a 1.65 ERA. Out of the bullpen, all-star Steve Falteisek held the opposition to three hits and a walk in nine innings pitched, while closer Ryan Halla picked up a win and five saves.

The streak, four short of a league record owned by the Somerset Patriots, propelled the Ducks into first by a half-game over Bridgeport at that time. They will need to keep playing in top form to gain one of the two remaining second-half playoff spots.

The Long Island Ducks, co-owned by former NY Mets star shortstop Bud Harrelson, play their home games at beautiful Citibank Park, located in nearby Central Islip. For further information, please visit www.liducks.com or call the public relations department