Long Island Ducks Select The Rights to Former Bear Anthony Palermo

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — Following a mini-camp tryout hosted by the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball last week at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Melbourne, Florida, former St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) student-athlete Anthony Palermo had his rights selected by the Long Island Ducks. 

A native of Long Island from Patchogue, N.Y., he will be extended an invitation to Ducks spring training in 2021 and offered a chance to make the four-time and defending league champion's opening day roster.

"Anthony is a local, versatile infielder," said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. "We are excited to give him a look during spring training and see how he can help our ballclub."

"I am very happy for Anthony to get this opportunity to continue his playing career at the professional level," remarked Bears Head Baseball Coach Pete Blumenauer. "Nobody loves to play the game as much as he does and he has worked very hard to prepare himself for this chance. I look forward to seeing him play with the Long Island Ducks."

Palermo concluded his collegiate career garnering Skyline All-Conference First Team accolades as a third baseman in his senior campaign in 2019. Starting all 37 games, the righty hitter and thrower led the team in at-bats (127), hits (43), doubles (13), RBI (33), on-base percentage (.427), and slugging percentage (.559), with his doubles and RBI totals good for third in the conference. After transferring from Suffolk County Community College, Palermo compiled a .328 batting average and a .498 slugging percentage over for two seasons with the Bears in 2018 and 2019 and drove in 58 RBI with six home runs.