May 21, 2003
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Former Sun Devil outfielder Jeff Duncan (1999-2000) made his Major League debut Tuesday with the New York Mets. Duncan was added to the Mets roster this week to become the 78th Sun Devil to play in the big leagues.
Duncan was hitting .252 (34-for-135) with 27 runs scored, five doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI before being called up from Double-A Binghamton (Eastern League). The speedy outfielder made his MLB debut Tuesday night as a pinch-hitter vs. the Philadelphia Phillies going 0-for-1 with a groundout. Duncan pinch-hit in the eighth inning for all-star second baseman Roberto Alomar and played center field in the Mets 11-7 loss to the Phillies at Shea Stadium.
Duncan had a phenomenal year in 2002 to emerge as one of the top outfield prospects in the Mets minor league system. Playing at St. Lucie (Florida State League) and Columbia (South Atlantic League), Duncan combined to hit .373 (94-for-252) with 18 doubles, three triples and six home runs.
As a Sun Devil, the Frankfort, Ill., native and transfer from Iowa State, combined to .358 (130-for-363) with 19 doubles, 70 RBI and 38 stolen bases.
Duncan is currently one of six former Sun Devils in the major leagues. Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants), Willie Bloomquist (Seattle Mariners), Fernando Vi?a (St. Louis Cardinals), Sean Lowe (Kansas City Royals) and Paul Lo Duca (Los Angeles Dodgers).