Now Accepting Most Improved Student Nominations

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey- The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, and NJEA are accepting nominations for most improved students to be honored at TD Bank Ballpark this season.

The Most Improved Student program is designed to recognize those students that have shown improvement in various areas throughout the 2021-2022 school year including social, behavioral and academic categories. Students must be nominated by their teacher!

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE!

Selected students will receive two complimentary tickets to attend one of two Most Improved Student Nights at the ballpark.

The Patriots will recognize students from Somerset and Union Counties on Tuesday, April 26 and students from Middlesex and Hunterdon Counties on Wednesday, April 27. Both games are scheduled for 6:35 pm against the Portland Sea Dogs (Boston Red Sox).

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

About NJEA

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of our great public schools, ranking #1 in the nation year after year. The mission of the NJEA is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. To learn more, visit: www.njea.org

Patriots Now Accepting National Anthem Submissions For 2022 Season

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will begin accepting submissions to perform the National Anthem before large crowds at TD Bank Ballpark for games during the 2022 season.

Throughout the month of March, individuals and groups will be able to submit their entries to be considered to perform “The Star Spangled Banner” before Patriots games.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Interested performers will need to upload a video audition for review.

The Patriots promotions team will then judge all applicants on accuracy of notes, strength of voice, confidence, and other criteria that will translate to a strong performance before a game.

Besides traditional group bookings for schools, choruses, and bands, the online submission process will be the only way for performers to audition for the team this season. Entries will not be accepted after 11:59 p.m. on March 31.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

Celebrating Black History Month: Highlighting Jimmy Rollins

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers from across the sport went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Over the month, we will highlight some of the best Black baseball players to ever suit up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Jimmy Rollins

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Jimmy Rollins in the second round of the 1996 MLB Draft from Encinal High School in Alameda, California. Before establishing himself as a Major League All-Star, Most Valuable Player and World Series Champion, he made the steady climb through the minors and reached Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in his fourth professional year.

Rollins played four games for the Red Barons in 1999 in his first call-up. He returned in 2000 for 133 games before making his big-league debut on September 17. “J-Roll” hit .274 during his last season in Triple-A with 12 home runs and 69 runs batted in, helping pace the Red Barons to an 85-win campaign and a trip to the International League postseason.

Rollins played 2,275 games in the Majors, spanning 17 seasons, and closed with a career .264 average, 231 home runs and 936 runs batted in. He was a Silver Slugger during his 2007 National League MVP season, claimed four Gold Gloves over his career and was a three-time All-Star.

In 2019, Rollins was tabbed for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s All-Time Team as part of their 30th Anniversary Season celebration.

Read the rest of the series:

Part One: Celebrating Marlon Anderson

Part Two: Celebrating Ryan Howard

Part Three: Celebrating Aaron Judge

Part Four: Celebrating Wendell Magee

In addition to the five players profiled this month, many other players merited consideration for their work on and off the field or in the community, including Tony Barron, Kim Batiste, Bobby Estalella, 2009 IL Rookie of the Year Austin Jackson, Kevin Jordan, IL Hall-of-Famer Billy McMillon, DJ Mitchell and Mason Williams.

Patriots And NJEA To Honor A+ Educators

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have teamed up with New Jersey Education Association to honor A+ Educators.

The A+ Educator program is designed to recognize the work of teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) that provide an inclusive learning environment, engaging instruction and curriculum, encourages lifelong learning, and inspires a passion for education beyond the classroom and into the future.

CLICK TO NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE EDUCATOR!

“We always appreciate the work of our educators and everything they do to help children learn in the classroom and achieve their goals beyond,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “This program is a way for our team to recognize a few of these very special people in the field of education that make a positive and lasting impact on students.”

The Patriots and NJEA are asking for nominations through the team’s website. Nominations will be accepted through an online entry form that will include a writeup of why teachers/ESPs should be considered for the honor. In order to be eligible, educators must work at a public school in Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Hunterdon, or Morris counties.

Nominations are now open and will end on Friday, June 10, 2022. 25 total teachers and ESPs will be selected by judges and honored on the Patriots website, social media platforms, at TD Bank Ballpark, and throughout the season. Selected educators will receive four complimentary tickets to enjoy a 2022 Patriots game.

The A+ Educator program continues the Patriots and NJEA’s partnership to honor education professionals that make a difference in the lives of their students and impact the community as a whole.

“The A+ Educator program is an exciting way for us to work with the Patriots and recognize the extraordinary work of our members,” said Meredith Barnes, Associate Director of Communications for NJEA. “The goal is to showcase some of our best public school educators out on the field at the ballpark and with the greater Somerset Patriots community through the team’s various multi-media platforms.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com

About NJEA

The New Jersey Education Association is proud of our great public schools, ranking #1 in the nation year after year. The mission of the NJEA is to advance and protect the rights, benefits, and interests of members, and promote a quality system of public education for all students. To learn more, visit: www.njea.org

Celebrating Black History Month: Highlighting Wendell Magee

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers from across the sport went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Over the month, we will highlight some of the best Black baseball players to ever suit up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Wendell Magee

Wendell Magee was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round of the 1994 draft out of Samford University. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi, native was never picked for his high school baseball team but went on to play football and baseball in college. After an athletic career that saw him inducted into both Pearl River Community College and Stamford’s respective Halls of Fame, Magee embarked on a 12-year professional baseball career.

Magee dominated in his first two years of pro ball and reached Triple-A in 1996. After 71 games with Reading, the Phillies promoted Magee to the Red Barons, where he appeared in 44 games and batted .284. The Phillies gave him a first-look at the bigs that season as well.

The outfielder spent the bulk of the next three summers with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Magee found his stride in 1998 and 1999 for the Red Barons, hitting a combined .286 over 268 games with 44 home runs and 151 combined runs batted in during those two seasons for skipper Marc Bombard.

The Phillies traded Magee to Detroit in 2000 and he appeared in nearly 300 games for the Tigers over the next few years, including spending the bulk of 2002 as their starting centerfielder. He was reacquired by Philadelphia in 2003 in a deal with Cleveland. Magee returned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and hit .333 over 25 games before the Phillies released him.

Magee spent seven seasons in the Majors where he held a .244 average, but his time with the Red Barons and in Triple-A truly set him apart from the pack. In 420 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he hit .281. His 65 home runs for the Red Barons ranks second all-time in franchise history.

Read the rest of the series:

Part One: Celebrating Marlon Anderson

Part Two: Celebrating Ryan Howard

Part Three: Celebrating Aaron Judge

Celebrating Black History Month: Highlighting Aaron Judge

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers from across the sport went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Over the month, we will highlight some of the best Black baseball players to ever suit up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Aaron Judge

The New York Yankees selected Aaron Judge with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft out of Fresno State University. His meteoric rise saw him conquer A-ball in 2014, combining for 17 home runs over 131 games with Charleston and Tampa. In 2015, Judge split the season between Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, launching 20 home runs over 124 total games while driving in 72. He also garnered a starting spot as the designated hitter in the 2015 Futures Game.

Judge opened the 2016 campaign in a RailRiders uniform, spending four and a half months patrolling the outfield at PNC Field and around the International League. Judge hit .270, including .343 in June alone, and tallied 19 home runs with 65 runs driven in as an IL All-Star before the Yankees called him to the Majors. The RailRiders were 75-44 at the time of Judge’s MLB debut, well on their way to the league crown, and ultimately, the Triple-A National Championship.

In 2017, Judge was the unanimous choice for American League Rookie of the Year. His first full season in the Majors produced a .284 average, a league-best 52 home runs and 114 runs batted in. He was tabbed as an All-Star for the first of three times in his still-young career and finished second in AL MVP voting.

In 2019, Judge was tabbed for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s All-Time Team as part of their 30th Anniversary Season celebration.

In six Major League seasons, Judge has hit 158 home runs over 572 games and built a following across the sport with his power and his charisma. So much so that the Judge’s Chambers in right field at Yankee Stadium are all ready to rise with one swing of his bat.

Read the rest of the series:

Part One: Celebrating Marlon Anderson

Part Two: Celebrating Ryan Howard

Celebrating Black History Month: Highlighting Ryan Howard

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers from across the sport went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Over the month, we will highlight some of the best Black baseball players to ever suit up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Ryan Howard

The Philadelphia Phillies tabbed Ryan Howard in the fifth round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Missouri State University. After 85 home runs in over his first three and a half seasons, including 37 for the Reading Phillies over 102 games in 2004, Howard was promoted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He closed 2004 with nine more home runs and his first call to Philadelphia.

After capturing the Joe Baumann Award in 2004 with 46 home runs to lead all Minor Leaguers, Howard began 2005 in Moosic. He hit four home runs and drove in 14 over his first 23 games of the year and carried a .316 average to a second MLB call. After three weeks up with the Phillies, he returned to the Red Barons and mashed. In June, Howard hit .420 with six home runs and 27 batted in. He was recalled in early July and never looked back. All told, he batted .336 over 90 games in two years with the Red Barons with 25 home runs and 83 runs batted in. Howard closed 2005 with 22 home runs in the Majors and drove in 63 over 88 games with Philadelphia, claiming the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Howard was a staple at first base for the Phillies over the next decade. “The Big Piece” won the 2006 NL MVP Award with a Phillies franchise-record 58 home runs, a .313 average and 149 runs batted in. In addition, Howard was a three-time MLB All-Star, a Silver Slugger and claimed NLCS MVP honors in 2008 before the Phillies won the World Series. He closed his career with 382 home runs and 1,194 runs batted in during his 13-year Major League career.

In 2019, Howard was tabbed for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s All-Time Team as part of their 30th Anniversary Season celebration.

Patriots And HomePlate Catering And Hospitality To Host Season Job Fairs

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, as well as HomePlate Catering and Hospitality, will host seasonal job fairs at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday, February 24th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Saturday, March 5th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The Patriots and HomePlate Catering and Hospitality are looking for event staff team members to fill various part time and seasonal positions during the 2022 season, which runs from April through September.

Team members must be friendly, outgoing and be able to interact with fans in a positive manner to uphold the exceptional customer service expected at the ballpark.

Candidates must be available to work nights, weekends and holidays during the spring and summer months. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and have reliable transportation to and from the ballpark.

The job fairs will be held inside the team’s new batting cage building located to the right of the first base gate in the Red Lot.

Available Patriots Positions:

  • Ushers
  • Ticket takers
  • Fun Zone workers
  • 50/50 Raffle sellers
  • Parking attendants
  • Cleaning and maintenance
  • Retail sales associates
  • Merchandise hawkers
  • Batboys
  • MLB Time Clock Operators

Available HomePlate Catering and Hospitality Positions:

  • Concessions workers
  • Kitchen staff
  • Picnic staff
  • Suite attendants
  • Suite runners
  • Warehouse workers,
  • Concessions supervisors/leads

The Patriots and HomePlate Catering are requesting interested participants to fill out applications in advance to have ready for the events

Patriots Application | CLICK HERE!

HomePlate Catering and Hospitality Application | CLICK HERE!

Candidates should park in the Red Lot, located on the first base side of the ballpark, when attending the event.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

Celebrating Black History Month: Highlighting Marlon Anderson

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are looking back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers from across the sport went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Over the month, we will highlight some of the best Black baseball players to ever suit up for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Marlon Anderson

The Philadelphia Phillies tabbed Marlon Anderson with a second-round pick in the 1995 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of South Alabama. After three years in the Minors, Anderson spent the entire 1998 season with the Red Barons and flourished.

Anderson appeared in 136 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 1998, batting .306 with 32 doubles, 14 triples, 16 home runs, 86 runs batted in and 24 stolen bases. For this effort, he was voted Rookie of the Year by the International League. Anderson is one of only four players in franchise history who have earned that lofty distinction. He was recalled by the Phillies later that season and made his Major League debut in September.

After spending the 1999 season in the Majors, Philadelphia placed Anderson back on the Red Barons roster in 2000 for 103 games. His second year in Triple-A produced similar results, including a .305 batting average and IL Midseason and Postseason All-Star nods.

Anderson played 12 years in the Majors, spending time with Tampa Bay, St. Louis, the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Over 1,151 games, he held a career .265 batting average.

Patriots And Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137 Donate $9,700 For 2021 Home Runs

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, and their partners at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 have donated $9,700 to local non-profits through the Home Runs For Charity program.

For every home run hit by the Patriots at TD Bank Ballpark during the 2021 season, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 generously donated $100 to help the community. Somerset’s offense hit a franchise record 175 home runs last season, including 97 in Bridgewater.

Eight non-profits have been selected by the team and organization to each receive $1,212.50. The benefiting non-profits are:

  • Here Alternatives, Inc
  • Easter Seals of NJ
  • Matheny Medical & Education Center
  • Hugs for Brady Foundation
  • Samaritan Homeless Interim Program
  • St. John’s Episcopal Church
  • The Beez Foundation
  • Operation Shoebox New Jersey

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2137 has a long history of charitable work supporting both local as well as national causes. The motto “people helping people” is the driving force behind their efforts to help those less fortunate throughout the community. Over the years, Bridgewater Aerie # 2137 has provided monetary support for programs that assist the homeless and hungry, funded scholarships for deserving high school seniors, donated to groups that assist our veterans as well as local police, fire and rescue groups.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

HomePlate Catering & Hospitality Is Offering Concessions Fundraising Program 

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey- HomePlate Catering & Hospitality, the concessions partner of the Somerset Patriots, is once again offering a program for local non-profit organizations to work at TD Bank Ballpark during the 2022 season to raise money for their charities.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION!

HomePlate Catering & Hospitality is looking for four to 40 people per group to run the two large concessions or various portable carts during the 69 Patriots home games this season. The season begins on Tuesday, April 12th and will run through Sunday, September 18th with a chance of additional playoff games and events.

The organizations will earn a percentage of the revenue at each location worked with bonus incentive programs available.

The concessions fundraising program has been successful for many non-profit organizations including school sports and clubs, high school project graduations, little leagues, religious groups, and more.

HomePlate Catering & Hospitality is asking for a three event minimum for interested organizations.

For more information, or to sign-up your organization, please contact Aly McGrath, HomePlate Catering & Hospitality’s Director of Operations, at (908) 255-1427 or amcgrath@homeplatecatering.net.

Patriots Announce Tropical Storm Ida Relief Donations

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced the recipients of the team’s fundraising efforts to assist those affected by the flooding and damage caused by Tropical Storm Ida.

$35,000 was raised by the team through an online auction, ballpark 50-50 raffles, and a donation match by the Kalafer family, Flemington Car & Truck Country Family of Brands, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

“First we need to thank everyone that donated to our efforts, whether that was items for the auction or monetarily,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “They helped us raise a significant amount of money that was matched by our very generous ownership and the dealerships.”

The money raised through the Somerset Patriots Children’s Educational and Sportsmanship Foundation was earmarked to assist with recovery efforts for Central New Jersey residents and businesses.

The selected recipients of the fundraising efforts were:

The Food Bank Network of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Sparkee, Gordon White, President of the Board of Directors; Steve Katz, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle.

  • The donation will help distribute food and provide other basic human needs to those in Somerset County affected by the flooding and destruction caused by Ida.

Greater Somerset County YMCA: DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Patrick McVerry, David Carcieri, President/CEO; Sparkee.

  • The donation will assist families and children through social programs designed to help them stay healthy and strong, as well as provide financial assistance to those displaced, underprivileged, or in need due to the impact of the storm.

The ARC of Somerset County: DONATE

(L to R): Jill Glassman, Director of Early Childhood Services; Chris Corvino, Associate Executive Director; Lauren Frary, Executive Director; Patrick McVerry, Sparky Lyle, Jen Prior, Sparkee.

  • The donation will help the organization assist those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families that were affected by the flooding and damage from the storm.

Somerset Health Care Foundation: DONATE

(L to R): Jessica Ust, Director of Development; Sparky Lyle, Donna Castronovo, Vice President, Foundation and Development; Sparkee, Patrick McVerry, Patrick Delaney, Chief Operating Officer at RWJUH Somerset.

  • The donation will be used to help displaced health care workers and hospital support staff due to the flooding and assist with their needs during the recovery.

Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290 (Manville): DONATE

(L to R): Sparky Lyle, Andy Henkel, Commander; Patrick McVerry, Sparkee.

  • The donation will be used to assist with the cost of shelter operations and aid the victims directly to help get back into their homes.

Checks were personally delivered on Monday, November 22nd and Tuesday, November 23rd by McVerry, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle, and Sparkee the Mascot.

“You really couldn’t ask for a better time to give than Thanksgiving week,” said Lyle. “To be able to say thank you to our friends doing such important work to help our community felt really good. And while the devastation to the area put a spotlight on their efforts, it’s really something they do all year long and deserves to be recognized.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit:

www.somersetpatriots.com.

Patriots, Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton Continue Tradition Of Giving With Donation Of Holiday Meals For Local Families

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey– The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, along with Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are donating holiday meals and personal care items to local families through the Food Bank Network of Somerset County and the Flemington Area Food Pantry.

The donation for Somerset County residents was made at the Food Bank Network of Somerset County’s main warehouse in Bound Brook on Friday, November 19th. Jonathan Kalafer and his son Broden were joined by Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry, team mascot Sparkee, County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Commissioner Douglas Singleterry and the President of the Board of Directors of the Somerset County Food Bank Network, Gordon White.

“Anybody who is in need, or has ever been in need, the first thing people think of is ‘what am I going to eat tonight,’” said White. “It’s not ‘do I pay the rent or do I go to a doctor?’ It’s how do I feed myself and how am I going to feed my family. If we can’t meet that first level of support, people don’t have the will or the energy or the mental stamina to devote to anything else.”

The mission of The Food Bank Network is to distribute food and to provide other basic human needs to those less fortunate in the community in a manner which recognizes and advances self-worth and human dignity. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County is incorporated as a charitable, not-for-profit organization. The majority of their food and funding are donations provided by individuals, families, philanthropic organizations, businesses and corporations of all sizes. For more information, or to make a food or monetary donation, please visit somersetfoodbank.org.

“Donations this time of year are important to the fabric of what makes family and communities a community,” said Commissioner Director Robinson. “That we are all working together to make sure that we are all made whole and that we have a great time with our family and friends, but more importantly, there’s nothing else that matters when you are coming together with family than coming to break bread.”

Added Commissioner Singleterry, “This has been a tough time for a lot of people, and I applaud the work that the Food Bank does, and all the people that support the Food Bank, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. This is really helping a lot of people out and the work they do is appreciated.”

Giving back to the community is an important tradition for the Kalafer family and the businesses they own and operate.

“This was a core value that my father built his businesses on. I have heard countless stories of his generosity over the years and feel blessed to have learned the importance of community from him,” said Jonathan Kalafer.

Steve Kalafer passed away in April from a battle with cancer. That tradition of giving back continues on to the next generation of the Kalafer family as Jonathan’s 13-year-old son, Broden, lent a hand.

“I am very proud of Broden. He created a charitable initiative called ‘Hearts to Help’ as part of the process when he was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah last year. Even though the service requirement for his Bar Mitzvah is over, he has decided to continue on with it,” said Jonathan Kalafer. “He has added personal care items to the families holiday meals through his personal fundraising and money he earned working at a hair salon on the weekends. It is hard doing this without our dad this year, but I know he would be so proud to see Broden here.”

The Kalafers and Sparkee also visited the Flemington Food Pantry to make the donation for Hunterdon County residents to Executive Director, Jeannine Gorman. In addition to the donation, they also received a bag full of gift cards donated by associates and staff from the Kalafer businesses who wished to participate in the effort.

“We never had a clue of how many people would show up to our door, but we have faith that no matter how many people there are, that we have the support of the community to have everything we need in order to ensure people have the food that they need for their families,” said Gorman. “For us, having strong partners like the Kalafer family and their businesses is absolutely critical to everything that we do.”

Raritan Township Mayor Gary Hazard and Committeeman Jeff Kuhl were in attendance for the presentation.

“It’s so great to see a family like the Kalafer family, now third generation here, that Steve taught them so well,” Committeeman Kuhl said. “They always want to give back to the community that they serve. The Somerset Patriots and Flemington Car and Truck Country are great for the community and so is the Kalafer family.”

The Flemington Area Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to needy Hunterdon County families regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background. The Flemington Area Food Pantry depends on the generosity of the Hunterdon County community for its very existence. Without donations of food and funds, the Pantry would not exist. More than 80% of Pantry in- come is derived from contributions of cash and groceries. For more information, or to make a donation, please visit flemingtonfoodpantry.org.

“We know these donations will help feed families and bring some joy to those in need,” said Josh Kalafer, Co-Owner of Flemington Car & Truck Country and Clinton Honda, Chairman of Jaguar Land Rover Princeton, and Co-Chairman of the Patriots. “It’s a way for our family, team, and dealerships to do good in our community during a time when it is very much needed. It is how our businesses have always operated under my father’s guidance and they will continue to do so long into the future.”

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.

About Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton

Flemington Car & Truck Country, Clinton Honda and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton are Authorized Automotive Sales, Service and Parts Dealerships serving Hunterdon and other surrounding New Jersey and Pennsylvania counties since 1976. They have locations on Routes 202, 31, 22 and 206. For more information, please visit Flemington.com, ClintonHonda.com, or JLRPrinceton.com.

Patriots To Host Holiday Toy And Food Drive

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, have announced that the team will host a Holiday Toy and Food Drive at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, December 11th.

The event will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Team Store located by the main gate of the ballpark.

New and unwrapped toys will be collected to donate to Central New Jersey Toys For Tots to bring holiday cheer to less fortunate children throughout the area.

The team will also be accepting donations of canned and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County to help fight hunger.

Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle will be on site to meet fans, sign autographs, and take pictures from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Sparkee the Mascot will also be at the event during those times.

The Team Store will feature new arrivals, holiday items, and restocked favorites from the season.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: __www.somersetpatriots.com.

Patriots To Receive SCBP Economic Vitality Award 

 

Bridgewater, New Jersey- The Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) have selected the Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, as a recipient of their annual Economic Vitality Awards.

The Economic Vitality Award is designed to recognize an organization’s leadership in enhancing the economic competitiveness of Somerset County.

“First and foremost, this award is a recognition of the community we serve,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We’ve always prided ourselves on being the hometown team and a strong representative of the local business community. Now with our partnership with the New York Yankees and Major League Baseball, we look forward to shining an even brighter spotlight on why Somerset County is one of the best places in the state and throughout the country to live, work, and play.”

It is the second time that the team has been honored with the award (2005). After 23 seasons in independent baseball, Somerset became the Yankees Double-A affiliate in 2021. The Patriots now combine the experience that fans have come to love with the excitement of seeing the Yankees’ future stars, as well as current MLB players during rehab assignments, as part of Minor League Baseball.

“The Somerset Patriots have become an iconic attraction in Somerset County. Drawing fans from across New Jersey, and now New York, the economic impact is greater than ever,” said SCBP President/CEO Chris Edwards.

PIM Brands LLC will also be recognized at the event with an Economic Vitality Award.

The awards will be presented at the SCBP’s Annual Meeting on Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Palace at Somerset Park, 333 Davidson Avenue in Somerset, New Jersey. For more information about the event, please visit www.scbp.org.

About the Somerset County Business Partnership

The Somerset County Business Partnership (SCBP) serves as Somerset County’s regional Chamber of Commerce and the essential partner for doing business in Somerset County. The SCBP enjoys a unique public-private partnership with County government to provide economic development and tourism services.

The mission of the SCBP is to lead the business community to a prosperous and sustainable future, offering members opportunities to grow their business through networking, advocacy, workforce initiatives, and education events. Members and investors represent public, private and community organizations, working in partnership and dedicated to maintaining and promoting economic prosperity and quality of life in Somerset County. The Business Partnership serves as the platform to gain critical information, brand a business, develop leadership skills and learn how specific business strategies can improve profitability.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: www.somersetpatriots.com.