A Texas company connected to the MLB’s Texas Rangers has taken a bold step by acquiring a ball club on Long Island.
REV Entertainment, which serves as the official sports and entertainment entity for the Rangers, made the announcement on Wednesday regarding their purchase of the Long Island Ducks. This marks the end of Frank Boulton’s ownership, a position he has held since the team’s inception in 2000.
Boulton, who also established the Atlantic League and has been its president since the league’s debut in 1998, will stay on as an advisor for REV Entertainment.
“I’ve always seen owning the Long Island Ducks as a public responsibility, and it was important to find a successor who shares that view,” Boulton stated. “REV Entertainment aligns with that commitment, making them the right fit to guide the Ducks moving forward, ensuring they continue to entertain fans for years to come. A big thank you to our fans, sponsors, and the Long Island community for their support over the past 25 seasons!”
Michael Pfaff will continue to serve as the president and chief business officer, while REV’s sports management team will oversee operations, aiming to maintain the club’s distinct identity and strengthen its ties to the community while exploring new growth opportunities.
Sean Decker, president of REV Entertainment, expressed excitement about the new addition: “We are thrilled to welcome the Long Island Ducks to the REV family. Frank Boulton has created something wonderful here, and it is our duty to honor that legacy while ensuring the Ducks thrive and provide a family-friendly experience.”
In addition to the Ducks, REV Entertainment has also purchased the Schaumburg Boomers from the Frontier League. They are already managing various independent baseball teams throughout the country.
Before Wednesday’s news, it seemed there were no plans for the Long Island team to be sold. The Ducks have been a cornerstone of the Atlantic League, clinching four championships in their first 19 seasons, making them the winningest team in league history.
With a remarkable streak, the Ducks also boast the Atlantic League’s all-time attendance record with 721 sold-out games.
Boulton has been recognized for his pivotal role in founding the Ducks, based in Central Islip and playing in the Atlantic League.
He had previously attempted to establish a second Atlantic League team in Nassau County after plans to rehabilitate the Nassau Coliseum faltered in 2011. This initiative aimed to introduce a new minor league club in a 6,000-seat venue close to the coliseum.
Recently, Boulton hinted at stepping back from his leadership role in the Atlantic League, which he announced formally in November. Effective January 1, he will transition from president and CEO to an at-large member of the executive committee, with Bill Shipley of the York Revolution set to take over as his successor.
