Bridgewater, NJ- Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer has announced that the team has extended the contract of President/General Manager Patrick McVerry for eight years. The significance of this contract extension is that it will have McVerry in his role for 25 years.

The announcement was made at a special luncheon at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Somerville, NJ on Wednesday, March 18^th. The event welcomed Somerset County officials, team partners, and dignitaries. Kalafer introduced the program that also included words from McVerry and Somerset Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle.

“We are very excited to extend the contract of Patrick McVerry, our long-time President and General Manager. Under his guidance, the Somerset Patriots have prospered and have been one of the very best minor league teams throughout America. His dedication and efforts to our team, our fans, and our community have been unmatched. 25 years, or a quarter of a century, has a very nice ring to it,” said Kalafer.

McVerry first joined the Somerset Patriots in 1998 as the newly founded team’s Director of Marketing. He became the team’s Assistant General Manager briefly in 2000 before becoming President/General Manager in 2002.

“For the past 17 years, the Somerset Patriots have become my second family. From our wonderful ownership to the tremendous front office staff that I get to work with every day, this truly has been a privilege. The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders have been the best public partners anyone could ask for. I’ve been here to see the opening of our first class ballpark, the highs of five championships, and the lows of last place finishes and playoff eliminations. Through it all, we’ve received nothing but unbelievable support from our fans and partners,” said McVerry.

For information about the Somerset Patriots 2015 Season, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.