“I am thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Baez. “I am very excited and really gung-ho to get things started. This is a first-class organization from top to bottom and a great environment to be in” 

Baez joined the organization in 2002, playing into the 2003 season before being pickup by the Triple-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. In 2004, Baez returned to the Ducks, and in the following season he assumed the role of player/coach. 

In 2006, the Brooklyn native became a full-time coach for the Ducks, and in the following season left Long Island to take a coaching position within the New York Mets organization. 

“The Mets job was a great opportunity,” said Baez. “It was tough to say no to that, and you have to do what’s best for yourself and your family.” 

Baez returned back to coaching on Long Island in 2008 and remained in that capacity until his hiring as manager this past Fall. 

In his professional career, Baez played in 66 Major League games with the Mets and another 1,750 games within their minor league system. Over the years Baez learned a great deal from his former managers and plans on meshing the different styles of his mentors when the team assembles for Spring Training. 

“I played for Clint Hurdle and John Gibbons when I was in Double and Triple-A,” said Baez. “I played for Buddy, both with the Mets and here with the Ducks and from watching Gary and Dave, I’ll take a little bit of everyone and add my own personality and my own little touch to the equation and see how that works.” 

As manager, one of his first orders of business was becoming part of the selection process in putting his first Ducks team together.

Unlike Major League organizations, the first-year manager finds himself in a waiting game as he, general manager Michael Pfalf, and others, collectively attempt to put together a winning team on the field for the upcoming season. 

“It’s tough,” said Baez. “The guys that were here last year, their goal is to try to get to an organization and get to the big leagues so they don’t want to commit too soon. But overall, we have an idea of what we are looking for and things generally fall into place.”  

With Spring Training beginning for the Ducks in mid-April, a handful of players have already been signed including Freddie Thon, Kennard Jones, Matt Padgett, Javier Colina, Kraig Binick, Matt Esquivel, J.R. House and Atlantic League All-Star and former league MVP Ray Navarette. 

As all the pieces slowly come together, Baez will formulate what style of play the 2011 Ducks will bring to the field. 

“Whether this year’s team will play small ball or wait for the three-run homer, it just too early to tell,” said Baez.  “We have to wait and see what our player profile looks like before we can make certain decisions.” 

As Baez approaches his managerial debut on May 6, he reflects on those who impacted his approach to the game and philosophy of baseball. 

“Bobby Floyd was my infield instructor in the minor leagues and I got a chance to coach under him for the Mets in the Gulf Coast League,” said Baez. “I learned how he went about his business. When I played for Clint [Hurdle] and John [Gibbons], they got the best out of me and now my job is to get the best out of my team.” 

When the Long Island Ducks take to the field on Opening Day, Baez will expect his team to approach the game just as he did as a player.