Preston Wilson joined the Ducks to fall in love with baseball again, not to fall out of the game from injuries.

Unfortunately, Wilson, the team's designated hitter this year, was plunked in the face by a fastball during a game against the York Revolution, May 31.

York pitcher Dan Foli's heater hit Wilson on the bridge of his nose, causing a minor fracture.

"We don't know if it's going to require surgery," Ducks manager Gary Carter told Newsday. "We hope not, but I think the doctors will know that after the swelling goes down. It was a scary moment obviously. The blood was pouring out of his nose pretty good."

Shortly after Wilson was taken to South Side Hospital for X-rays, Victor Rodriquez nailed a double, which drove in Ray Navarrete, Johnny Hernandez drew a walk to force the bases loaded and Estee Harris hit a grand slam to right field. The Ducks won, 8-2. Ducks welcome 4-

millionth fan

On Friday, May 29, Brett Liquori made history at Citibank Park.

Robert Liquori, who became the Ducks' 4-millionth fan to walk through the turnstiles at Citibank Park, watches the game later that night. The Stony Brook resident became the organization's 4-millionth fan to walk through the turnstiles, helping the Ducks become the quickest North American professional sports franchise to reach the plateau for a stadium the size of Citibank.

"We are extremely proud that we have reached the 4-millionth fan mark in our 10th Anniversary Season," Ducks principal owner Frank Boulton said. "This milestone is a testament to our organization and how the community has embraced us. We have the best fans in all of baseball and we look forward to making sure that everyone has a great experience every time that they come out to the ballpark."

Aside from the "4-millionth Fan" official Ducks jersey he received, Liquori was given a Gary Carter autographed bat, a three-day vacation at the Ginn Golf Resort in Florida and two round trip tickets to anywhere JetBlue flies, all courtesy of the JetBlue Challenge. He also tossed out a ceremonial first pitch.

Preston Wilson was hit in the nose with a fastball and sustained a minor fracture in a game against the York Revolution in late May. "I was completely stunned and excited," Liquori said. "This is unbelievable and it's truly a privilege. Our family has grown along with the Ducks over the years and this is a day I will never forget." Mexican League team purchases Gonzalez's contract

Outfielder Raul Gonzalez had his contract purchased by Tabasco (AAA) of the Mexican League. In 2009, Gonzalez was batting .333 with one home run and 10 RBI in just 24 games. He is sixth in the Atlantic League in batting average and leads the Ducks in on-base percentage (.425), and is second in doubles (7) and runs scored (19). Ray and Suarez inked by MLB teams

Adding to the usual carousel of moves in the Atlantic League, Ducks pitcher Ken Ray was signed by the Cleveland Indians organization and assigned to their Double-A affiliate in Akron, and infielder Gabe Suarez was signed by the Houston Astros and will report to their Single-A club.

Ray led the Ducks with four wins and 26 strikeouts, while Suarez leads the Ducks in average (.353) and was hitting .625 on the Ducks' most recent home stand.

Paulk joins flock

With every player that signs a contract elsewhere, comes a new player to Long Island.

Robert Paulk, who spent time with Pensacola (American Association), Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A New Orleans in the Mets organization last season, brings a right-handed arm to the mound.

"Robert gives us another solid option out of the bullpen," Carter said. "He gave me some big innings in 2006 when I was managing the St. Lucie Mets and we're looking forward to seeing him make an even greater contribution to the Ducks in 2009."

Originally selected by the Mets in the 24th round of the 2002 MLB draft, Paulk has accumulated 32 victories with a 3.57 ERA in 226 minor league games.