Meet Kraig Binick

Hicksville native and Chaminade graduate Kraig Binick, 26, is in his first season with the Ducks. Entering Sunday's game, he led the Atlantic League with a .405 average and .485 OBP. The outfielder, who attended NYIT and broke the school's hits record, was drafted in the 27th round in 2007 by the Baltimore Orioles. He spent three seasons in the Orioles' organization, reaching Double-A in 2009. In 2010, he batted .289 in 91 games with the Sussex SkyHawks of the Can-Am League.

To what do you attribute your early-season success?"I'm just going about my business every day, getting some useful information from guys who have been around the game, trying to get the most out of them."

Best memories of your time with the Orioles?"My first hit was a home run. Also, just meeting new friends and traveling across the country. That would be the best overall experience."

You played with the Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds, owned by Cal Ripken Jr. Did you meet him?"Yes, I did. I didn't know what to say when I met him. I was just in awe."

What do you recall about Chaminade?"I'd have to say just growing up to be a man. The school and the people within the school, they turn you into the best person you can be."

How tough is it to break into pro ball as a 27th-round pick?"It's pretty tough, but I kept my head down and my nose to the grindstone. I worked every day at it, and I wanted it."

Best part about playing near home?"Even when I go on road trips, I know that I represent where I was born and raised. I can wake up every day and be with the people that I love."

What is it like being part of a team with so many former major-leaguers?"It's the guys that you watch on TV and grew up admiring, like [former Minnesota Twin] Lew Ford. He might get annoyed at me for all the questions I ask him, but you just sit there and absorb everything he has to say. Everything that comes out of his mouth is just important."

THE WEEK AHEADToday: off

Tomorrow: at Lancaster, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: at Lancaster, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: at Lancaster, 6:30 p.m.

Friday: at Bridgeport, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: at Bridgeport, 7:05 p.m.

Sunday: at Bridgeport, 2:05 p.m.