Local Pitcher Reaches the Show

A lifelong dream became reality this week for Long Island native Matt Seelinger, who received the call every baseball player hopes to hear when the New York Mets promoted the right-handed pitcher to the Major Leagues prior to their game against the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field.

The promotion marks another milestone for the Long Island Ducks organization, as Seelinger becomes the 34th former Duck to reach the Major Leagues. For the Westbury native, the moment is even more special, as he now has the opportunity to make his Major League debut just minutes from where he grew up.

"We congratulate Matt on this incredibly well-deserved opportunity," Ducks Manager Lew Ford said. "He was outstanding in the bullpen for us two years ago, and it's exciting to see a Long Island native first pitch for his hometown team and now make his MLB debut just minutes from where he grew up."

Seelinger enjoyed a dominant 2024 season with the Ducks, appearing in 21 games while recording 11 saves and posting a remarkable 0.44 earned run average. He allowed just one earned run in 20.2 innings while striking out 31 batters, performances that earned him a contract with the Detroit Tigers organization in June of that season.

Since leaving Long Island, the 31-year-old has continued to impress in the minor leagues, compiling an 11-4 record with a 2.86 ERA while pitching for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. He struck out 170 batters over 132.1 innings before being acquired by the Mets from the Tigers in exchange for cash considerations on July 6.

A graduate of Farmingdale State College, Seelinger also becomes the second member of the 2024 Ducks to reach the Major Leagues, joining Tyler Zuber. His promotion is another reminder of the Ducks' success in developing professional talent and gives Long Island baseball fans another hometown player to cheer for at the highest level of the game.