Somerset Patriots Unveil Plans As Part Of NY Yankees Partnership

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The Somerset Patriots unveiled plans to expand the TD Bank ballpark to meet the requirements as the new Double-A affiliate for the New York Yankees.

Somerset Patriots Chairman Emeritus Steve Kalafer, Co-Chairmen Jonathan and Josh Kalafer, President/General Manager Patrick McVerry, and Vice President of Operations Bryan Iwicki presented the plans during Tuesday night's Bridgewater Planning Board meeting before Somerset County and township officials.

The plans include adding new buildings to house batting cages, fitness equipment, and storage needs in order to meet the requirements put forth by Major League Baseball for all of their minor league facilities.

Rendering courtesy of Somerset Patriots

"This was an important step for the continuing future of our partnerships with Somerset County and Bridgewater Township," said Kalafer. "Our elected officials, and this community, are a significant reason the New York Yankees chose the Somerset Patriots. It is essential to demonstrate the reinvestment we are making as a family and team to our community and it’s going to take all of us working together to reach the next level we all expect and desire."

"We are very excited about the coming baseball season and the improvements coming to the ballpark," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "We appreciated the Patriots joining us last night for the review. The team has a good application that will help support the activities expected at TD Bank Ballpark now and for the years to come."

In line with the fiscal model for TD Bank Ballpark agreed to over two decades ago, any improvements made to the site will be taxpayer neutral and all principal and interest will be paid for by the Somerset Patriots.

The plans come after the Nov. 7, 2020 announcement that the Yankees named the Somerset Patriots their new Double-A affiliate after 23 years serving as a founding member of the independent Atlantic League.

Additionally at the meeting, the team worked with the Somerset County Board of Commissioners to lay the groundwork for extending the team's lease past its maturity date.

The Somerset Patriots were also able to officially welcome new commissioners Paul Drake and Douglas Singleterry, joining Robinson, Sooy, and Melonie Marano on the board.

"We’re all looking forward to the spring when we get to see Yankees baseball in Patriots uniforms here in Somerset County, and I can’t wait to throw out a first pitch," said Robinson. "The investments in TD Bank Ballpark presented tonight, all at no taxpayer expense, are investments in Somerset County that will pay off for years to come."

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