WMBCTV: Somerset Patriots to Host Military Appreciation Day Game

Military Appreciation Day is set to be celebrated in the heart of Bridegwater with the annual New York Yankees Double-A affiliate Somerset Patriots honorary game on Sunday. 

“There’s nothing more patriotic than saying thank you to the men and women who serve,” said Marc Russinoff, VP of Communications and Media Relations, Somerset Patriots. “You have to think about the people that are away from home that are overseas that are serving our country, we owe them our thanks.”

TD Bank Ballpark will transform into a tribute to the service and sacrifice of our nations military personnel, as the festivities will begin with a special pre-game ceremony at noon, leading up to first pitch at 1:05 pm.

“We have a veterans march which kicks everything off which is really nice,” said Russinoff. “We like to honor the true patriots that served our country, the men and women that served and this is one of the days that we can do that.”

In an effort to say “thank you,” the team says they’re providing all active-duty military and veterans with complimentary tickets and $7 Upper Box tickets available for their guests. Officials say the first 2,000 fans will also take home a camouflage baseball.

“The first 2,000 fans will get that baseball when they come through the gates, the players sign them if you get over by the dugout and stuff so it’s a really cool take-home,” said Russinoff.

Patriots players and coaches are expected to wear custom military-themed jerseys, later auctioned online in an effort to benefit local veterans' organizations. Nonprofits like the USO and Operation Shoebox New Jersey will also be on-site to share resources and connect with fans.

“They’re actually camouflage jerseys, the players wear them. They’re wearing special hats too that are just unique for this day,” said Russinoff. “Fans could bid on those jerseys and then we’re going to donate the proceeds to different military organizations we work with, different veterans organizations that we work with and our different partners for that game.”

For details or to reserve tickets, visit somersetpatriots.com.