The Ducks and Harris play at Citibank Park which was built in the shadows of the Harris family home, just blocks away from where young Estee Harris played in the Central Islip Little League.

Harris is thrilled to be playing in his hometown. “It’s great to be able to play in front of your friends, family, and everyone you grew up with,” Harris said. “I couldn’t be in a better situation. I grew up playing on the fields across the street. I’m very fortunate to be able to play here.”

Drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2003 amateur entry draft, the Central Islip High School graduate spent four seasons in their organization before being released in the spring of 2007. He hit a low point when the Yankees let him go, but knew he had to quickly reassess himself and put a positive spin on it. “I’m not going to lie, I was devastated,” he said. “But, I knew things could only get better from there. Being released made me a better person and a better player. I wouldn’t be the player I am now if I didn’t go through it.”

Harris is making the most of the opportunity on Long Island. Through June, he was hitting a team-high .310 with a slugging percentage of .539. The 24-year old outfielder is also among the team leaders with eight homers and 38 RBI. Two of his eight homers are grand slams.

Not only has Harris impressed fans at Citibank Park, his solid first half opened eyes throughout the Atlantic League. Harris was joined by five of his Long Island teammates as the Liberty Division scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning off Armando Benitez to defeat the Freedom Division 7-5 in the Atlantic League All-Star Game. The game was played at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears.

While playing in an independent league may not seem like the most direct path to the majors. To the contrary, the league is filled with former major league players both on the field and in the dugout. All eight teams have managers who had lengthy major league careers including Tommy John, Von Hayes, Tim Raines, and, of course, Ducks’ skipper Gary Carter.

Playing for a team managed by a Hall of Fame catcher with seven former major leaguers on the roster is a big plus for Harris. “Being able to play for a Hall of Famer, and with guys who have played at the highest level, is the biggest positive of playing in the Atlantic League,” he said. “These guys have experienced everything in the game. This is knowledge you can’t get elsewhere. It’s definitely the toughest league I have ever played in. Being able to do well here is a big confidence boost.”

Like most other boys who grew up playing Little League for their father, Harris refers to his father ST as his mentor both on the field and off. However, he’s quick to give long-time big leaguer and former Ducks’ teammate Carl Everett a lot of credit for his success.

“Carl has helped me tremendously,” Harris said. “He taught me to understand that it’s not the pitchers who are getting me out, it’s me getting myself out. When you’re at the plate, you have a good chance of being successful. The pitchers are trying to get you out of your comfort zone. He taught me how to win some of the mental battles.”

The dream of playing in the majors still lives inside the 2003 All-Long Island player. He hopes to get picked up by an affiliated team and continue to work his way to the big leagues. But, for now he’s thrilled to have the shortest commute to work in professional baseball.

“So few people can say they play in their hometown,” Harris said. “I was playing around the corner when the stadium was being built. I’m very fortunate that there’s an independent team on Long Island. I love playing here.”