Ducks Bring Back Championship Coaching Staff Through 2029

The Long Island Ducks are keeping their championship-winning coaching staff together, announcing three-year contract extensions for manager Lew Ford, pitching coach Bobby Blevins and bench coach and hitting coach Tim Battle Jr. The trio is now under contract through the 2029 season.

The decision comes after a historic 2026 campaign in which the Ducks captured the Atlantic League championship, finishing the regular season with a franchise-best 80-46 record before going a perfect 6-0 in the postseason.

“Lew, Bobby and Tim have done an exceptional job leading our club and representing the Ducks organization,” said team president Michael Pfaff. “The 2026 season was truly historic, and their leadership was instrumental in our championship success. We’re excited to keep this outstanding staff together as we look to defend our title in 2027 and build on that success in the years ahead.”

Ford has guided the Ducks to winning records in each of his three seasons as manager, compiling an overall record of 222-162. During his tenure, 24 players have had their contracts transferred to other organizations, including 16 to Major League Baseball clubs. Three former Ducks players who played under Ford, Robert Stock, Tyler Zuber and Matt Seelinger, have gone on to reach the major leagues.

Blevins has helped develop one of the Atlantic League's strongest pitching staffs, leading the league in that category in both 2025 and 2026. This past season, Long Island's pitchers led the league in ERA (4.84), wins (80) and strikeouts (1,175), while allowing the fewest runs and hits. Seven pitchers have had their contracts transferred to MLB organizations during his three seasons with the club.

Battle Jr. has overseen an explosive Ducks offense. In 2026, Long Island set an Atlantic League single-season record with 692 walks while establishing franchise records with 190 home runs and 320 stolen bases. The team also ranked second in the league in batting average, OPS, runs, hits and RBIs.

With all three coaches returning, the Ducks will have a familiar leadership group in place as they prepare for another championship run in 2027.