Navarette Ignites Ducks To Opening Night Win

The Long Island Ducks defeated the Somerset Patriots, 9-4, on April 26 at TD Bank Ballpark, securing their seventh consecutive victory in the first game of the season.

Somerset took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning against Ducks starter Mike Loree on a two-run homer to right by Adam Mathews. Long Island rallied back to jump in front 3-2 on Brandon Sing’s sacrifice fly to right in the fifth and RBI doubles from Lew Ford and Josh Johnson in the sixth.

Ducks Finalize Roster; Spring Training Under Way

The Long Island Ducks recently announced the final additions to their roster as spring training kicks off for the third consecutive season at Bethpage Ballpark. The team has signed pitchers Randy Keisler and Eric Niesen, catcher Josh Johnson and announced that catcher Mitch Canham has been signed by the St. Louis Cardinals and catcher Mike Rivera has been signed by the Boston Red Sox. Both catchers will report to their respective organization’s Triple-A teams.

“We are excited to begin our quest for the Atlantic League championship,” said Ducks manager Kevin Baez. “I look forward to seeing the team together on the field.”

Westbury Varsity Baseball Team Off To Great Start

Three outstanding senior pitchers have anchored the 2012 Westbury varsity baseball team: Ralph Davis, Billy Casseus and Brandon Percival.

The team began their season with a home opening victory over Carle Place, 5-0, on March 30. Ralph Davis pitched and struck out 11 batters. This was a non-league game but a game that has been part of both team’s schedules for the past few years. It has been a well-played game with excellent sportsmanship for both of these neighboring baseball programs.

Martial Arts America Students Host Black Belt Event

On March 18, Martial Arts America in Hicksville hosted their Annual Black Belt Extravaganza at the McGuire Theater at SUNY Old Westbury. A total of 21 black belts were honored in a Traditional Fire and Water Black Belt Ceremony. The parents and spouses of the new black belts were part of the ceremony as well.

The extravaganza was a showcase for all the black belts to demonstrate their proficiency in various aspects of their training, along with over 150 other students of the school graduating to their next belt level from ages 4 to 64. There were over 500 spectators on hand to see the event.

Ducks Re-Sign Pitcher Of The Year Mike Loree

The Long Island Ducks announced the signings of pitchers Mike Loree, Jonathan Meloan, Connor Graham and catcher Shawn Williams on April 10. Loree returns for a second season with Long Island while Meloan, Graham and Williams all enter their first year with the Ducks.

“Mike was the best pitcher in the league last season,” said Ducks President/General Manager Michael Pfaff. “We are happy to have him back in the rotation while adding three other talented players to our roster.”

Down To The Core: April 10, 2012

Tangled Up In Blue

For many, the blooming trees and reddened thermometers signal the start of spring – a new beginning, a fresh start and, finally, the end of winter.

For this editor, spring means the start of the National Hockey League playoffs and the culmination of what’s been one of the New York Rangers’ most enjoyable seasons in recent memory.

Games For Physically Challenged To Be Hosted Again By Nassau

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined by dozens of private sector sponsors and athletes on April 4 to announce that Nassau County will host the Games for the Physically Challenged, as it did last year.

The 2012 Nassau County Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged will take place from May 31 through June 2 at Mitchel Athletic Complex and Nassau Community College. Athletes will compete in track, field, slalom, archery, swimming, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. Participants, ranging from ages 5 to 21, face disabilities including blindness, visual impairment, deaf, hearing impairment, spinal cord injury, amputees and those who have cerebral palsy, dwarfism and other physical challenges.

Down to the Core: April 3, 2012

Through Tim, all things are possible

The New York Jets were relatively quiet during the NFL’s free agency frenzy, which began March 13, 2012 – the date likely to be remembered for Peyton Manning’s departure from Indianapolis, which rendered him a Colt in the same regard as the city of Baltimore.

In true Jets fashion, the announcement of the Tim Tebow trade – albeit with its minor complications – stole (read: engulfed) headlines and emphatically overshadowed what was already one of the wildest weeks in football history.

SUNY Old Westbury Outfielder Named Player of the Week

The SUNY College at Old Westbury sophomore outfielder John Angelino was recently named Skyline Conference Baseball Co-Player of the Week. Angelino closed out the week by producing four consecutive multiple hit games (10 for 15, a home run, six RBI, seven runs and four stolen bases).

In a 4-2 week for Old Westbury, Angelino hit .500 (10 for 20) including three doubles, one triple and one homer to go with six RBI, 10 runs scored and five stolen bases. He generated a 1.125 slugging percentage.

The Tebow Trade: Fans Weigh In

Pros and cons of acquiring the former Heisman winner

Following the earlier and equally stunning news that future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning would sign as a free agent with the Denver Broncos, Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner, found himself on the trade block. The Jets swooped in and acquired the lefty, while surrendering two mid-round draft picks. So, what’s the early verdict?