Somerset Patriots Re-Sign Record Breaking Closer Jon Hunton

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of record-breaking closer Jon Hunton, who will also serve once again as the Director of Player Personnel.

Hunton became the first player in professional baseball to hold the title of Director of Player Personnel while still playing last season.

“Somerset is where I want to be and I’m excited to be returning both on the field and in the front office for the Patriots. Last season’s team had so many amazing moments and so many great people that it will be hard to duplicate, but I feel we can do even better this year,” said Hunton.

Hunton broke the Atlantic League record for saves in a single-season with 49 in 2014. He finished the season as the Atlantic League’s “Closer of the Year” for his performance that also included a 2.08 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 56.1 innings pitched in 59 games.

Hunton is now 38 saves shy of the Atlantic League career record set by Southern Maryland’s Jim Ed Warden with 134.

“Achieving the Atlantic League saves record was great, but it would have meant more with that championship hardware along with it. I wouldn’t mind 50 saves with a 2015 Atlantic League Championship,” Hunton said.

Hunton set a then Somerset Patriots record for saves with 37 during the 2013 season. He finished with a 3-6 record, a 3.00 ERA, and 37 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched in 57 games played. Hunton was named an Atlantic League All-Star and the Reliever Of The Year that season.

The North Plainfield, New Jersey native has experience in the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s organizations, including a season at both the Double-A and Triple-A level.

Hunton joined Somerset late during the team’s championship run in 2008 and appeared in eight games. After his time with the Patriots, Hunton signed with the A’s, where he spent the next two seasons.

He also has time in the Atlantic League during the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Long Island Ducks.

Hunton has a minor league career 40-35 record, a 3.18 ERA, 169 saves, and 535 strikeouts in 594.0 innings pitched in 513 games.

“Right now my concern is putting this team together and accomplishing our goals one game at a time. Things have already started to progress from a signing standpoint and I expect big things in Somerset in 2015. I am confident in myself, the rest of the staff and the players that it will be a memorable Patriots season,” Hunton added.

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.

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