The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of third baseman Corey Smith.
Smith had an All-Star season for the Patriots in 2013, finishing with a .269 batting average, 82 runs, 138 hits, 29 doubles, 20 home runs, and 84 RBI in 133 games played.
Smith was the Atlantic League Player Of The Month for May when he hit .333 with 34 hits, nine doubles, seven home runs, and 27 RBI in 27 games played.
He was named the Atlantic League All-Star Game MVP when he won the tie-breaking home run derby to lead the Freedom Division squad to victory.
“Corey returns this year as one of our team leaders. I feel he is highly motivated and ready to make a huge positive impact for this team. He is a force in the middle of our lineup and he will be a huge part of our success both on and off the field,” said Brett Jodie, manager of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.
Smith was the 26th overall pick in the first round by the Cleveland Indians in the 2000 amateur draft out of Piscataway High School.
He has experience in the Indians, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations including four seasons at the Triple-A level.
Smith has a minor league career .261 average 1,687 hits, 365 doubles, 230 home runs, and 1,006 RBI in 1,737 games played.
Smith hit .263 with 46 hits, 11 home runs, and 30 RBI in 47 games played for Somerset in 2012.
He spilt time in the beginning of the 2012 season in Double-A for the White Sox and in the Mexican Leagues. In Double-A, he hit .286 with 74 hits, 19 doubles, eight home runs, and 39 RBI in 65 games played. He hit .263 with 30 hits, seven doubles, nine home runs, and 30 RBI in 27 games in Mexico.
For information about the Somerset Patriots 2014 Season presented by Ford, beginning at home on Friday, April 25th, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.