Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Long Island Ducks across Baseball, Hockey.
The Oyster Bay Town Board recently celebrated the induction of Buzz Deschamps into the state Hockey Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of service as a player, coach, and mentor. The ceremony highlighted his contributions to the sport and his enduring influence on young athletes across Long Island.
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton has posted a 1.80 ERA and a 3.86 FIP over nine starts since returning from elbow inflammation, showcasing a dramatically improved cutter. His resurgence coincides with notable performances from prospects, overseas moves, and the passing of baseball legends.
Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.
Trevor Bauer, a 2025 Atlantic League standout, has signed with Mexico’s Diablos Rojos del México after a season that featured a no‑hitter, a franchise‑record 15 strikeouts and a 2.36 ERA. He thanked the Ducks and their fans, while team president Michael Pfaff highlighted his on‑field and community contributions.
Wally Backman, a 66‑year‑old former New York Mets star, has been appointed manager of the Staten Island FerryHawks, an independent Atlantic League team. He emphasizes winning and hard work, has no interest in returning to the Mets, and is working with chairman John Catsimatidis to improve the fan experience. The team, which started the season 8‑40, will host an in‑season tryout on June 23 and open its first home game on June 24, hoping to spark a second‑half resurgence.