“I Am The Man!” – Former Met Jordany Valdespin signs with the Long Island Ducks

At one point, Jordany Valdespin was considered the future of the Mets. Now, after some time away, he has found a home in New York again, just in a different atmosphere. In a press release, it was announced that Valdespin has signed to play for the Long Island Ducks.

Jordany Valdespin is most known for starting his career with the New York Mets, joining the team in 2007. Once considered a replacement for Carlos Beltran, there ended up being no true room for him. Due to various injuries, he debuted in 2012 and started his first major league game against the Phillies. The legend of Jordany Valdespin was born after hitting a three-run home run off of closer Jonathon Papelbon in the ninth inning at Citizens Banks Park.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLR17xH2ZbE

As time went on, he helped the Mets by hitting a few dramatic hits to help them win games. Valdespin ended up hitting five pinch-hit home runs that season, breaking a Mets record. He became pretty confident after, to the point where one of his post-game comments became the stuff of legend:

“I am the man right now!”

The quote became viral, both as a joke and a rallying cry. He ended up getting a spot on the team in 2013, but by then the honeymoon phase was over. Controversial spills with manager Terry Collins, along with an .180 average, negatively affected his playing time. This all culminated in Valdespin getting suspended 50 games for using performance-enhancing drugs thanks to the Biogenesis Report. After becoming a free agent, he signed with the Marlins and Tigers before joining the Leones de Yucatán and the Olmecas de Tabasco of Mexican baseball fame.

In regards to the move to Long Island, Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff praised Valdespin’s skills on the field, stating:

“Jordany adds a lot of versatility to our ballclub. His ability to play multiple positions in both the infield and outfield is an important asset.”

While playing less than 100 games in all four years in the MLB, Valdespin hit 15 home runs and had a slash line of .216/.271/.369. It is unsure how his time in the Mexican Baseball League has affected the 30-year olds ability. What the Ducks did need however was a former major leaguer with confidence. Valdespin has plenty of that.

Get ready for the return of “The Man” as he heads to Bethpage. Long Island Ducks tickets are available on March 23 at 6 p.m. ET. You can get your seats for the upcoming season at (631) 940-DUCK or by visiting www.liducks.com.