Meet the Newest Big Duck in Town

The Long Island Ducks' new mascot was unveiled

yesterday afternoon. Not surprisingly, it's a big bird with a yellow bill and

webbed feet.

"Quacker Jack" waddled out to the podium at the Sports Plus entertainment

complex in Lake Grove and greeted fans of the upstart minor league baseball

team for the first time.

"He's going to be out there for the kids and certainly for the kids in

schools," said Bud Harrelson, Ducks manager and member of the 1969 world

champion New York Mets. "He's certainly going to be a big part of us."

"QJ," as he was called, was billed as the "largest living duck on Long

Island" by team officials. With a smug grin and one raised eyebrow, the new

mascot resembles a hybrid of Walt Disney's Donald Duck and the World Wrestling

Federation's The Rock.

"We wanted something lovable," said Chris Lombardo, community relations

manager for the Ducks, "but at the same time, with a little bit of attitude."

The mascot's name was the brainchild of Mike Geniale, 15, a student at

Baldwin High School, whose teacher asked the class to come up with some

possible names as a homework assignment.

"I was thinking of what I eat every time I go to the baseball game. I was

thinking of Cracker Jacks, so I decided to make him Quacker Jack," Mike

recalled.

Jack will entertain fans at the new Suffolk County Sports Park in Central

Islip starting on the Ducks' opening day of April 28.

When the team is on the road, Jack will keep busy as a goodwill ambassador

of sorts, visiting schools and Little League teams and acting as president of

the newly created Ducks/Vytra Kids Club, sponsored by the Vytra health plan

organization, which will provide children with game discounts and souvenirs.

The team has yet to play a single game or even announce a roster, but

Jack's debut drew a solid turnout yesterday.

Chris Kizis, 9, was one of about 100 children who hung around to get an

autograph and photo with the amiable bird. "He's cool," remarked Chris. "He's

like the first duck I've ever seen wear clothes."

Harrelson also raved about the bird's fashion sense. "I've watched Quacker

Jack's moves," he joked. "I may have to draft him."

Quacker Jack, who already was suited up in his own team uniform, did not

want to comment. Instead, he offered a hug.