Michael Pfaff has been with the Long Island Ducks since 2002.
He took over the position of GM in 2006, was named club president in 2011, and became chief business officer in 2024.
Prior to joining the Ducks, Michael worked at the National Football League Commissioner’s Office in New York City for seven years (1995-2002). During his time at the NFL, he was assigned to work two AFC Championship games, three Super Bowls, and six NFL Drafts.
The Ducks are in their 24th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip.
The Ducks’ mission is to provide affordable, fun entertainment and quality professional baseball to Long Islanders. Their 6,002-seat ballpark was built in a public-private partnership with the county of Suffolk and original team owners Frank Boulton and Bud Harrelson.
Under Pfaff’s leadership, the Ducks have led the league in attendance 17 times, became the first team in league history to eclipse the 8-million fan mark, and have welcomed a record 700+ sellout crowds.
He is the first-ever three-time winner of the Atlantic League Executive of the Year Award (2008, 2010, 2016) and has also been named a “40 under 40” award winner by the Long Island Business News.
Mike’s role in player procurement on the field helped the club achieve new heights, earning eight Championship Series appearances in 10 seasons (2011-2013, 2016-2021) while bringing three Atlantic League championships to Long Island (2012, 2013, 2019).
Michael worked with managers Gary Carter, Kevin Baez, Wally Backman, and the current Ducks skipper, Lew Ford.
The ALPB is a Major League Baseball Partner League. A key focus of the partnership with MLB is to provide a showcase to free agents to be signed by MLB clubs.
During Michael’s tenure, over 100 Ducks players, including players such as Daniel Murphy, Rich Hill, and Dontrelle Willis, have had their contracts purchased, while 30 Ducks have reached the majors after playing on Long Island.
During Michael’s time serving on the league’s board of directors, the ALPB became the first independent professional baseball league to sign a working agreement with MLB. In 2020, ALPB became the first professional partner league of Major League Baseball.
Michael is proud of the growth of the QuackerJack Foundation during his tenure. Founded in 2003, the team’s charitable arm has continued to expand its efforts. It now contributes to over 800 non-profit and community organizations each year, while bringing awareness to worthy programs and causes needing assistance on Long Island.
Additionally, Michael is a member of the Energeia Partnership, a leadership academy dedicated to identifying and addressing the serious, complex and multi-dimensional issues challenging the Long Island Region.
The Manhasset native earned his bachelor’s degree at St. John’s University and resides in Sayville with his wife and three children.
Advice to other business leaders
Stay on top of making sure your product is a good product. Hire great people.
Create simple, effective, long-term, and short-term timelines and processes, then keep your team focused on them throughout the year.
In today’s world, with technology and other complexities reaching new heights daily, it is key to keep priorities focused, stick to the game plan, and provide ways for everyone to contribute to the plan.
Including initiatives that implement a proactive approach rather than a reactive one will keep your organization one step ahead of the competition while maximizing efficiency.
