The Long Island Ducks are back and ready to continue their quest to a threepeat. After returning from the Atlantic League All Star break, the Ducks started the second half slowly with a 9-16 record. One Duck who is not concerned about the team’s record is 2014 Atlantic League All Star and outfielder Adam Bailey. “It’s never been an issue” explained Bailey. “We had a slump and honestly, I didn’t feel like we lost that many games. I’m not worried about it.”
Bailey is entering his second season with Long Island, having led the Ducks in 113 games played last season. He was second on the team in hits with 130, trailing only former Duck and current York Revolution Bryant Nelson who had 144 hits. Adam Bailey put up some good numbers last season and was instrumental in the Ducks run to another championship. Bailey batted .254 while posting up 15 long balls, 57 runs batted in, 24 two baggers and five triples. He also held the team’s longest hitting and on base streak at 16 and 23 respectively.
Bailey’s performance in the last postseason also shows how dangerous he is at the plate. He knocked in four RBIs with two doubles, a home run and two runs scored. As a result, Bailey, who is originally from Nebraska, won a championship with the team and is happy to join the Ducks for year two in Long Island. “I came back because of the guys” said Bailey. “It’s my favorite part about playing here.”
This season, the Long Island transplant is tied for the team lead in homeruns with fellow All Star Lew Ford at 12, which is good for fourth in the league. To Bailey, Ford has been an influence in his game as both a coach and player this year. “He leads by example and knows when to talk” said Bailey. The two power hitters protect each other in the Ducks lineup and provide an offensive spark. Bailey also is third on the team with a .292 batting average and is second with 56 RBIs, which is sixth in the Atlantic League. The biggest key in his game this year has been his consistency in the heart of the Ducks lineup and he is always looking to improve on that. “It’s always hitting” said Bailey. “No one is ever going to be perfect.”
Before joining the Ducks, Adam spent three seasons within the Houston Astros organization, whom he was drafted by in the 2010 amateur draft. The highest level he reached was Triple A in 2012.
For the Ducks to keep their postseason chances alive, Bailey will have to continue to be successful at the plate in the cleanup spot of the Ducks lineup. The Ducks are banking on Bailey to drive in runs and help lead the way to another postseason berth — — possibly another championship.
