Atlantic League, Meet Bucky Jacobsen

Those of us who've followed Bucky Jacobsen for awhile (and I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit I've been at it for eight years now) know that Bucky's home runs are something that are best appreciated in person. The fans in Camden, New Jersey can now appreciate Bucky's blasts as well.

As the game recap on the Long Island Ducks' website described it, Bucky's three-run homer in the fifth inning cleared both sets of fences. It wasn't a cheap shot. The home run helped the Ducks to a 5-1 win over the Camden Riversharks.

Ducks and Bucky Begin Season Tonight

Bucky Jacobsen and the Long Island Ducks begin the Atlantic League season tonight on the road, facing the Camden Riversharks for a weekend series.

There was also a L.I. Duck article from Newsday that talked about Bucky and the hopes the Ducks have for him this season. Newsday has Bucky projected to be the DH, with former major-leaguer Henry Rodriguez playing first base.

As we have in the past, we'll have Bucky's line from each game up at BuckyBackers.com. Check back each morning to see how Bucky did the night before and for links to photos, articles, etc.
(Newsday Photo / David L. Pokress - Apr. 27, 2006)

Day 4 of Spring Training

Let's hope that the Long Island Ducks are getting the losing out of their system now. Four games, four losses. Bucky didn't get a mention in today's Spring Training Report.

The Ducks take on the Bridgeport Bluefish at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeland.

Day 3 of Spring Training

Bucky Jacobsen and the Long Island Ducks were beat by the Somerset Patirots, 7-2 today. This drops the Ducks' record to 0 - 3 in spring training.

Bucky had a double today, according to the Duck's website. The Ducks continue their spring training schedule Monday with a game against the Road Warriors (a team run by the Atlantic League the doesn't have a home stadium to play in). Game time is 1:00 pm EDT in Lakeland, Florida.

Spring Training, Game 2

No mention of Bucky in yesterday's game notes. The Ducks lost to Camden 3-1. In two games so far, the Ducks have scored once. But it's spring training, right?

Bucky and the Ducks take on defending Atlantic League champions, the Somerset Patriots today at 10:00 am EDT.

Spring Training, Round 2

Bucky Jacobsen and the Long Island Ducks started Spring Training this week. Their first game was today, a 2-0 loss to the Lancaster Barnstormers. Bucky didn't earn a mention in the write up on either the Ducks' website nor the Barnstormers' recap of the game.

Bucky and the Ducks continue their spring training with a 1:00pm game against the Camden Riversharks at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow in Lakeland, Florida.

Official Ducks Information

Here's some more information about Bucky Jacobsen and the Ducks:

 

DUCKS SIGN MLB VET FIGUEROA - scroll down

same information on OurSportsCentral.com.

 

And a, "Where's Bucky?" question on SeattleMariners.com .

Bucky Heading Back to Independent Leagues

Bucky Jacobsen's signing with the Cardinals has not happened. Evidently, while Bucky passed the physical, they still had some concerns about his knee and decided not to sign him.

At this time, it appears Bucky will be playing in Independent baseball (probably the Long Island Ducks). As stated a couple of posts ago, this will keep Bucky a free agent in regards to the clubs in the majors and Japan. Once the season starts, hopefully if Bucky goes on a tear like he did in two years ago (hitting 26 homeruns by the All-Star Break), someone will take a chance and sign the big guy.

Links:
Springfield News-Leader - (Scroll way down)

Bucky Signs with the Cardinals

According to his agent, Bucky Jacobsen has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as of this afternoon. This obviously ends his relationship with the Long Island Ducks.

As of this point, it sounds like Bucky will initially report to the Cardinals AA affiliate, the Springfield Cardinals. Some of you may remember that Bucky was with the Cardinals' organization in 2002 and 2003.

I would guess that we'll see news online tomorrow. I'll post them as I find them.

Bucky signs with the Long Island Ducks of the Independent Atlantic League

Bucky Jacobsen signed with the Long Island Ducks on Friday, March 31st. The Ducks play in the independent Atlantic League that is comparable to AAA ball.

Bucky's agent, Joe Speed, said that the benefit of playing independent ball is that Bucky is still effectively a free agent, available to sign with any team in the majors or Japan any time during the season. This way, Bucky would have the opportunity to play for a top team without having to worry about a trade, being released, etc.

Links
OurSportsCentral.com
Long Island Ducks Press Release