Briarcliff Native Bobby Blevins Traded to LI Ducks

The of the Can-Am League have right-handed pitcher Bobby Blevins to the Long Island Ducks of Atlantic League for a player to be named later.

Blevins has been the ace of the Rockland staff in their two years of existence at Provident Bank Park in Pomona, earning both the franchise’s first win ever as well at its first home victory. Blevins is expected to earn a spot in the starting rotation for the Ducks, who have clinched a playoff berth by virtue of their first-half title in the Atlantic League’s Liberty Division, but have struggled of late having lost five of their last six games. 

Blevins is currently 8-9 in the Can-Am League and his 3.65 earned run average places him fifth among league leaders. He has been the workhorse of the Boulders staff, leading the circuit with four complete games, and 135.2 innings pitched, while standing sixth in strikeouts with 98. In 2011, he tied the Can-Am record with six complete games, and started in Rockland’s first game ever, an 11-5 triumph at Newark on May 26, 2011. He also won the team’s inaugural game at Provident Bank Park, a 3-1 decision over the Brockton Rox on June 16.

While Blevins was one of just three remaining Boulders from last season’s opening day roster, manager Dave LaPoint was quick to note that the righty deserved the opportunity that this move will provide.

“We think this is a great opportunity for him to advance his career,” LaPoint said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked in his two years, you always know what you’re going to get from him. If we’re still in the [playoff] race we don’t do this, but this is our chance to do a favor for Bobby for everything he’s done for us.”

“I’m going to a winning team and a great situation,” said Blevins, a Briarcliff Manor native. “Getting a chance to be in a playoff race and get different exposure, it’s a great opportunity.” Of course, the move does not come without mixed emotions. “It’s been great being back around my hometown and community. (Being with the Boulders) brought the joy of baseball back into me, it’s been great to be part of a brand new organization.” 

The man who was the recipient of the Cam-Am League’s Pitcher of the Week award earlier this season also had warm words for Boulders faithful, and left the door open that he may yet return to Pomona in the future.

“I couldn’t ask for better support, we have such dedicated fans, they’re number one,” Blevins said. “We’ll see what happens next spring, if I’m not picked up by an affiliate, I’m definitely open to any opportunity.”