Around the League

Long Island Ducks Announce 2019 Coaching Staff

Wally Backman’s staff to include former MLB pitcher and GM Ed Lynch, Ducks veteran Lew Ford
 

(Central Islip, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2019) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the team’s coaching staff for the 2019 season. In addition to Wally Backman, who was named the sixth Field Manager in Ducks history this past November, the staff features newcomer Ed Lynch as Pitching Coach and returner Lew Ford as Hitting Coach.

“Wally Backman, Ed Lynch and Lew Ford comprise a coaching staff loaded with experience, success and reach at the highest levels in baseball,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “Entering our 20th season, we are excited to have such an accomplished staff in place.”

Lynch is reunited with Backman after the two spent seven seasons as teammates with the New York Mets. The pair were both a part of the club’s 1986 World Series Championship, with Lynch then going on to spend parts of two seasons with the Chicago Cubs. The Brooklyn native served as both a starting pitcher and reliever, appearing in 248 career MLB games (119 starts) and compiling a 4.00 ERA, eight complete games, eight saves and 396 strikeouts. He was originally selected by the Texas Rangers in the 22nd round of the 1977 amateur draft.

Following his playing career, Lynch went on to attend the University of Miami School of Law, where he graduated in 1991. In 1994, he was hired by the Cubs as the team’s General Manager and served in that role from 1994 until 2000. The 62-year-old has held various other front office positions in professional baseball, including Director of Player Development for the San Diego Padres, Special Assistant to the GM for both the Mets and Cubs. Most recently, he served as a Major League Scout for the Toronto Blue Jays for six seasons (2010-15).

“I’m excited to join the Ducks,” said Lynch. “The Atlantic League product is one I am very attracted to as it places winning as a top priority. Combine that with a high level of play, great product for fans, a fantastic showcase for players, and it’s very easy to see why the league has had such great success.”

Ford is set to begin his 10th season as a member of the Ducks and sixth in a player/coach role, having spent two years as Hitting Coach (2014, 2018) and three as Bench Coach (2015-17). The outfielder/designated hitter is the franchise’s all-time leading hitter (minimum 500 at bats) with a .322 batting average. He has played 675 regular season games with the Flock, totaling 71 home runs, 413 RBIs, 440 runs scored, 186 doubles and 245 walks. In addition, the Central Islip resident has appeared in 42 playoff games with Long Island, registering a .269 batting average, four homers, 21 RBIs, 18 runs and 47 hits.

The 42-year-old has been selected to play in three Atlantic League All-Star Games while with the Ducks (2014, 2015, 2018). In 2014, he became the second player in franchise history to be named Atlantic League Player of the Year (Ray Navarrete, 2009) after breaking the league’s single-season records for hits (189) and games played (140). Ford has appeared in five Atlantic League Championship Series with the Ducks, including the Championship-winning club in 2013. After spending five seasons in the Major Leagues with the Minnesota Twins (2003-07), the Texas native returned to the Major Leagues in 2012 as a member of the Baltimore Orioles after beginning the season with the Ducks.

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 40 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 70 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
 

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