Tyler Zuber was a reliever for the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League in 2024. Today, he finds himself in contention for a spot in the New York Mets bullpen. While training at the Mets spring training home in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Zuber spoke with Newsday’s Tim Healey about his experience in the Atlantic League.
Shortly after he had considered giving up the game, Zuber signed with the Ducks. He made six appearances for Long Island, earned a pair of saves and struck out 10 hitters in 5.2 innings of work.
“That’s actually where I found my love for baseball again,” Zuber told Newsday. “There was something about me that was missing the love. Some of the conversations I had with some of the guys there, just asking them why are you doing this? Why are you doing this? ‘Because I love it.’ That’s why I did this when I was a kid. That’s why I’m doing it now.”
The 29-year-old reliever is not a sure-thing to make the Mets Opening Day roster. But after reaching the Majors with Kansas City in 2020, he underwent arm surgery and spent most the ensuing years in the minors. He went from Long Island to Tampa Bay and today finds himself in contention for an MLB berth.
“You either gotta do indy ball,” Zuber said, “or you gotta retire.”
Healey wrote: “Zuber and his wife, Ashton, took it as a sign from the universe that it was the Ducks who had a spot for him. Ashton “loves waterfowl,” Zuber said, and in 2022 they “adopted” a duckling that lived in their hotel for a couple of weeks before they brought it to an animal sanctuary.
Mets reliever Tyler Zuber adopted this duck in 2022. He took it as a sign when it was the LI Ducks, of all teams, who had a spot for him in 2024. Credit: Tyler Zuber
“We thought it was a full-circle moment,” Zuber said, fondly recalling his time with “Lil Bit” the duck. “That day that I signed, my wife bought a duck hat. Not a Long Island Ducks hat. Just a duck hat.”
With Long Island, Zuber pitched well, posting a 1.59 ERA and striking out 10 (and walking one) in 5 2/3 innings. More noteworthy, though, were his interactions with teammates.”
Zuber recounted his reaction in 2024 when the Ducks signed another former MLB star.
“During their one-week spring training, a bunch of Ducks were chatting among themselves in the clubhouse when in walked Jackie Bradley Jr., an 11-year big-leaguer who was an All-Star, Gold Glover and World Series champion. Career earnings: $55 million.
“Why is playing indy ball?” Zuber said. “Then we asked. He’s like, ‘I’m trying to make it to the big leagues, I’m trying to make it back. I’m not satisfied with my career.’ OK.”