Ex-Mets draft pick John Gant makes Long Island Ducks debut on mound

John Gant stepped up to the mound as he prepared to make the first pitch of his Ducks career Friday at Central Islip’s Fairfield Properties Ballpark against Lancaster.

He rolled up his pants toward his knees — first his left leg, then his right — before taking a deep breath and hurling a pitch toward Lancaster’s Nick Ward. It forced the second baseman to lean back and away from the pitch.

To an untrained eye, it was simply a ball. To Gant, however, it’s exactly how he said he would approach his Long Island debut, attacking the batters.

 Not including foul tips, Gant threw 18 strikes, 10 swinging, through 45 pitches and three hitless innings Friday night against Lancaster. His final 13-pitch inning did leave something to be desired as he allowed three hits and two earned runs, plus a homer. 

   The Ducks ultimately fell to Lancaster 9-1. Designated hitter Taylor Kohlwey delivered Long Island’s first home run of the season in the second inning before a crowd of 5,337. 

Gant’s process and signature fastball made its introduction to Long Island after spending 2024 recovering from injury.

“It’s my first outing in a few years, so that’s pretty cool,” Gant said. “It’s my first time pitching since having [Tommy John] surgery. Everything felt really good. I was overall happy with how I attacked batters and how I threw the ball out there tonight.”

With help from his faith and his own perseverance, Gant returns to New York in a different light from the 2011 draft pick. After all, he’snow  a Long Islander, and having spent time in the city the right-handed pitcher said he’s undertaken a “Long Island food tour” to enjoy what the Island has to offer.

. A 21st-round pick by the New York Mets in 2011, Gant brings six seasons of MLB experience to Long Island. He’s one of 18 new arrivals to the 27-man Ducks roster, with all but three signing contracts prior to spring training. He most recently pitched in Japan during the 2023 season.

He’ll look to follow the footsteps of infielder Ryan McBroom, who became the first Ducks player to have his contract purchased last week by Korea’s SSG Landers this season. Long Island led the Atlantic League last season in player contracts purchased with 10.

Gant didn't collect his first win as a Duck Friday night. But having played minor league ball or better since he was 18 years old, Gant is likely aware that success isn’t determined by the first step on the path.

. He’s learned over the past few years to embrace the hurdles along the way and trust the path he’s on.

“Trust in the Lord, that he’s got me right where I’m supposed to be,” Gant said.