Somerset Patriots
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Somerset Patriots | |
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| Founded | 1998 |
| League | Atlantic League 1998-present |
| Team History | Somerset Patriots 1998-present |
| Ballpark | Commerce Bank Ballpark |
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| Based in | Bridgewater, New Jersey |
| Team Colors | navy blue, maroon, silver |
| Owner | Steve Kalafer |
| Manager | Sparky Lyle |
| Championships | 3 (2001, 2003, 2005) |
| Division Titles | |
| Mascot | Sparkee the Mascot |
| Broadcasters | Brian Bender |
| Local Media | Courier-News |
The Somerset Patriots are an Atlantic League team based in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Since the 1998 season, they have played in the South Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affilitated with Major League Baseball.
The Patriots won the league championship in 2001, setting a league record of 83 wins and 43 losses. They again earned the league title in 2003 and 2005. They are the only team in Atlantic League history to win three league championships.
The team plays in Commerce Bank Ballpark, which opened in 1999 as Somerset Ballpark after the Patriots spent the 1998 season as a road team. In their first six seasons, the Patriots drew over two million fans, for an average over 5,000 per game, filling an entertainment niche in central Jersey.
The name "Patriots" refers to the Middlebrook encampment where the first official flag of the United States was unfurled, after a law to adopt a national flag had been passed by Congress on June 14, 1777. By special order of Congress, a Thirteen Star Flag is flown 24 hours a day at the Washington Camp Ground, part of the former Middlebrook encampment, in Bridgewater Township.
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[edit] History
The first season for the Somerset Patriots was in 1998, which was also the inaugural season for the Atlantic League. The Patriots have been the victors of the Atlantic League Championship Series in three seasons, and have been the runner-up in two. Not only have the Somerset Patriots enjoyed success on the field, they have enjoyed steady attendance as well.
[edit] Post-Season Records
- 1999: Lost to Bridgeport Bluefish, 3 games to 0, in championship round
- 2000: Received first-round bye; lost to Nashua Pride, 3 games to 0, in championship round
- 2001: Received first-round bye; defeated Newark Bears, 3 games to 2, for league championship
- 2003: Defeated Camden Riversharks, 2 games to 0; defeated Nashua Pride, 3 games to 2, for league championship
- 2005: Defeated Atlantic City Surf, 2 games to 1; defeated Nashua Pride, 3 games to 0, for league championship
[edit] Quick facts
- Current uniform colors: White vest with maroon piping and navy blue sleeves for home games and grey for away games. Both with the word "Patriots" across the front and name and number on the back. Navy blue hats with a colonial-themed patriot logo.
- Current logo design: The word "Patriots" in script in navy blue underlined by a navy blue and silver baseball bat with silver stars. Above is a colonial-themed patriot.
- Current mascot: Sparkee the Mascot (1998-present).
- Current Radio Station: WCTC 1450 AM New Brunswick
- Radio Play-By-Play: Brian Bender
- Public Address Announcer: Paul Spychala
- Backup Public Address Announcer: Alex Silverman
[edit] 2007 Somerset Patriots:
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Pitchers
Catchers
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Infielders
Outfielders
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[edit] Retired Numbers
42, Jackie Robinson, retired throughout baseball.
[edit] External links
- Somerset Patriots
- Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
- Atlantic League blog
- Atlantic League Independent
- Bridgewater, New Jersey
| Atlantic League of Professional Baseball |
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| North Division: Bridgeport Bluefish • Long Island Ducks • Newark Bears • Road Warriors South Division: Camden Riversharks • Lancaster Barnstormers • Somerset Patriots • York Revolution Future Teams: Southern Maryland Blue Crabs |
