The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
BRIDGEWATER – The Somerset Patriots’ annual Fan Fest was held April 8, which means that the start of the 2017 campaign can’t be far away.
At-home Spring Training is scheduled for April 11-20, with the first pitch of the new season set to be thrown shortly after 7:05 p.m. on April 21, when the Patriots take on the Lancaster barnstormers.
Anticipation for the new season is a bit more pronounced this year, given that TD Bank Ballpark will be the venue of the Atlantic League All-Star game on July 12.
Partnering in presenting the game with the Patriots are Robert Wood Johnson Barnabus Health and Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey.
On hand to celebrate were Patriots’ mascots Sparkee, Slider and General Admission, as well as manager emeritus Sparky Lyle, 2015 Atlantic League Manager of the Year Brett Jodie and his coaches, and a number of players.
Clowns and face painters were on hand, and kids were able to play carnival games and run the bases at the end of the afternoon.
There was also an 1860’s Style Base Ball Game between the Flemington Neshanock and Atlantic Base Ball Club.
Following are some scenes from the day.
2017 Somerset Patriots Fan Fest
