10 Shocking Facts About The Long Island Ducks 2025 Roster: Ex-MLB Stars And The 25th Anniversary Team
The 2025 Long Island Ducks roster is one of the most compelling and star-studded in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) history, marking the team’s monumental 25th Anniversary Season. As of this current date in late 2025, the Ducks have completed their milestone season, which saw a mix of returning fan favorites, high-profile former Major League Baseball (MLB) veterans, and exciting new talent all vying for a championship title. The team, a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, continues its tradition of providing top-tier baseball at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
The anticipation surrounding the Ducks’ 25th Anniversary Season, which officially kicked off on Friday, April 25, was immense, driven by a series of aggressive offseason signings. Fans were treated to a roster that blended the experience of players with significant time in The Show—the major leagues—with the hungry ambition of rising independent league stars. This deep dive reveals the key players, the coaching staff, and the essential details that defined the Long Island Ducks’ 2025 campaign.
The Long Island Ducks 2025 Roster: Key Players and Coaching Staff
The 2025 Long Island Ducks roster was officially set on April 24, 2025, right before the start of the 25th Anniversary Season. This roster was carefully constructed to compete for the ALPB Championship, featuring a strong mix of pitching depth and offensive power. Here is a breakdown of the most notable names and the team's leadership.
The Coaching Staff: A Legacy of Ducks Baseball
- Manager: Lew Ford - A Long Island Ducks legend, Ford returned to manage the club. His connection to the team runs deep, as he was also selected for the Ducks' 25th Anniversary Team, a testament to his impact both as a player and leader.
- Pitching Coach: Bobby Blevins - Blevins works closely with the pitching staff, which was significantly bolstered by former MLB talent in 2025.
- Bench Coach: Tim Battle Jr. - Battle Jr. provides crucial support and strategic input from the bench.
The Pitching Staff: Former MLB Arms and Rising Stars
The 2025 pitching rotation was headlined by several players with recent MLB experience, signaling the team's serious championship aspirations:
- Zach Plesac (RHP): The biggest signing of the offseason, Plesac joined the flock on April 9, 2025, bringing six years of MLB experience to the rotation, instantly becoming a staff ace.
- John Gant (RHP): A starting pitcher who was highlighted as a headliner for the 2025 roster, providing a strong anchor for the rotation.
- Nick Tropeano (RHP): Another right-handed pitcher with MLB experience, Tropeano was signed just before Spring Training, adding immediate depth.
- Tim Melville (RHP): Also signed alongside Tropeano, Melville is a veteran arm offering stability and innings.
- Mitchell Senger (LHP): A key returnee for his second season, Senger provided a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen or as a starter.
- Braydon Nelson (RHP): Signed in February 2025, Nelson is one of the younger arms the Ducks are developing.
- Justin Alintoff (RHP): A pitcher listed on the 2025 roster, adding further depth to the staff.
The Position Players: Power and Proven Production
The offense was led by a mix of returning champions and new faces who quickly made their mark:
- Troy Viola (3B): The standout offensive player of the season. Viola was named the Ducks' 2025 Most Valuable Player (MVP) in September, cementing his status as a star.
- Ryan McBroom (INF): A crucial infielder who returned to the team in April 2025, McBroom is known for his power and versatility.
- Taylor Kohlwey (OF): Signed in April 2025, Kohlwey brought a strong professional pedigree and immediately contributed to the outfield.
- Jack Lynch (INF): Signed in February 2025, Lynch is a key infielder adding defensive stability and a reliable bat.
- "Beer" (1B): A first baseman who spent two seasons (2021-22) in the Major Leagues, providing a significant power threat at the corner infield position.
The 25th Anniversary Season: A Historic Year for the Ducks
The 2025 season was more than just a typical year; it was a celebration of the Ducks' quarter-century history. The team's performance, combined with the star power on the roster, made it a memorable campaign for the franchise and its dedicated fanbase.
The Atlantic League Affiliation
The Long Island Ducks are a cornerstone franchise in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB). The ALPB holds a unique and prestigious position as a Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball (MLB). This partnership means the league, and the Ducks specifically, serve as a showcase for players looking to return to or be signed by MLB organizations, often leading to a high turnover of talent but also a consistently high level of play.
Fairfield Properties Ballpark: The Home of the Flock
The Ducks play their home games at the state-of-the-art Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip, New York. The 6,002-seat facility has been the epicenter of Long Island baseball for decades. The Ducks have a phenomenal history of fan support, having welcomed nearly 9.5 million fans and hosted over 720 sellout crowds throughout their tenure, highlighting the incredible community engagement with the team.
The 10 Must-Know Facts About the 2025 Long Island Ducks Roster
The composition and performance of the 2025 team yielded several fascinating facts that underscore the high caliber of independent baseball in the Atlantic League.
- The Big-Name Pitcher: Zach Plesac: Plesac’s signing was a major coup for the Ducks, as he brought a six-year MLB career to the roster, immediately raising the profile of the entire team.
- The MVP Emerges: Troy Viola: Third baseman Troy Viola’s stellar performance earned him the 2025 Ducks Most Valuable Player award, proving that the team's core talent is as important as its veteran signings.
- The 25th Anniversary Team Manager: Lew Ford is one of the few individuals to be selected to the Ducks’ 25th Anniversary Team while actively managing the current roster, signifying his legendary status.
- MLB-Experienced First Base: The signing of a first baseman named Beer, who spent time in the Major Leagues in 2021 and 2022, added a significant, proven power bat to the lineup.
- Opening Day Roster Set on April 24, 2025: The final 2025 roster was announced just one day before the Atlantic League season officially began, showcasing the dynamic nature of independent league transactions.
- The Ducks' All-Time Record: Heading into the 2025 season, the Long Island Ducks already held the record for the winningest team in Atlantic League history, a testament to the franchise's sustained success.
- Key Returnees: Senger and McBroom: The re-signings of left-handed pitcher Mitchell Senger and infielder Ryan McBroom were crucial for team chemistry and stability, providing known quantities to the veteran-heavy squad.
- Mid-Season All-Star Recognition: The Ducks had multiple players, including the June Player of the Month, earn 2025 Mid-Season All-Star honors, confirming the roster's overall strength.
- The Home Field Advantage: The Ducks have historically enjoyed a phenomenal home record in the playoffs, going 28-18 all-time in the postseason at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.
- The New Faces of 2025: Signings like infielder Jack Lynch and right-handed pitcher Braydon Nelson represented the fresh talent injection, demonstrating the team's commitment to developing new players alongside veterans.
Topical Authority: The Ducks’ Legacy and Future
The Long Island Ducks franchise has been a model of success in the independent baseball world. Their four ALPB Championship victories and consistent playoff appearances have built a deep legacy. The 2025 roster, with its blend of former MLB players and independent league stars, perfectly embodies the league's mission: to provide high-quality, competitive baseball while offering a path back to the major leagues for talented players. The season’s end, which saw the Ducks defeat the York Revolution in a series opener in September, concluded a successful 25th Anniversary campaign.
The continuous high-profile signings, like Plesac and the former MLB first baseman, keep the team in the national conversation and make the Ducks a must-see for baseball fans. The 2025 Long Island Ducks roster was truly a celebratory mix of the past, present, and future of the franchise.
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