“Somerset Patriots Soar to Victory: Celebrated as Premier Double-A Affiliate by Baseball America Through Dynamic Promotions and Engaging Social Media”

Somerset Patriots, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, has been awarded the 2024 Freitas Award for Double-A Organization of the Year by Baseball America.

The Freitas Award is designated in tribute to longtime Minor League Baseball ambassador Bob Freitas and recognizes one Triple-A, Double-A, and Single-A team each year that exemplifies enduring success and consistent excellence in Minor League Baseball operations.

The Patriots enjoyed a remarkable season with unparalleled visibility due to innovative promotions – including “Jersey Diners,” “Sopranos Night” and “The Nine” – high-profile player rehabilitation assignments, a record number of MLB promotions, and a winning record on the field.

The introduction of the Jersey Diners captured national attention. This alternate identity was developed to celebrate New Jersey’s extensive legacy as the “Diner Capital of the World” and achieved millions of views on social media, being highlighted by major news channels such as NBC Channel 4 New York, ABC Channel 7 New York, YES Network, SNY, ESPN SportsCenter, and MLB on FOX.

The Patriots gained substantial media visibility through their social media profiles and game livestreams. Somerset ranked as a top performer in social media, coming in fourth among 120 MiLB teams with over 49 million impressions. The organization’s game broadcasts led all of Double-A baseball with over 1.6 million minutes streamed. This success in broadcasting resulted in eight matches being shown on the YES Network, along with additional player highlights featured on the Yankees Batting Practice Show throughout the season.

This enthusiasm translated into the best merchandising year in the team’s 25-season history. Moreover, Jersey Diners games saw a 42% rise in attendance compared to other Patriots games in the same season. New collaborations also emerged with the Diners brand identity, partnering with 14 local diners in the vicinity and the Jersey Diners’ main sponsor, Taylor Provisions Company (Taylor Pork Roll).

The Jersey Diners were recognized by fans as the “Best Alternate Identity in Minor League Baseball” at the 2024 MiLB Awards Show and received MiLB’s “Golden Bobblehead for Best New Merchandise Promotion or Retail Sales Strategy.”

The team organized Sopranos Night, which featured an appearance by Steve Schirripa, one of the stars of the beloved series, drawing an audience of 7,619 for the game. This event represented the highest attendance for a non-fireworks Saturday night in the franchise’s history.

As part of MiLB’s “The Nine” initiative, the Patriots rebranded as the New York Black Yankees to honor the historic Negro Leagues team that played at Hinchliffe Stadium and Yankee Stadium during the 1930s and 1940s.

Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer, the son of its well-known founder, Steve Kalafer, expressed that the organization feels honored and humbled to receive this accolade.

“Minor League Baseball consists of some of the most imaginative and resourceful individuals in any sector,” he noted. “Being fortunate enough to be part of the MiLB community brings us joy every day, and to be acknowledged as the best this year is the cherry on top. We are immensely proud of this achievement and will consistently hold our team to the highest standards as we look forward to 2025 and beyond.”

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman shared his commendation.

“The Kalafer family and the Patriots staff have displayed an extraordinary commitment to player development and have been exceptional partners in investing in our future,” he commented. “This is reflected in the premier facilities in Somerset, as well as the achievements with over 43 former Patriots ascending to Major Leaguers since our affiliation commenced in 2021.

“We couldn’t be more proud of this well-earned recognition, and we are eager to continue evolving our partnership with the Patriots.”

Established in 1981, Baseball America is acknowledged as the leading publication reporting on baseball at every level, with an emphasis on emerging Minor League talents.

Yankees’ No. 2 prospect OF Spencer Jones had a prominent season with the Patriots.

The Patriots facilitated 14 players on MLB rehabilitation assignments, including 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole. During his first outing of the 2024 season, fans flocked to Somerset to witness the Yankees ace, resulting in a Double-A franchise record attendance of 8,260 at TD Bank Ballpark.

A record 17 former Patriots made their MLB debuts in 2024, with 1B/C Ben Rice being particularly notable. Beginning the season in Somerset, Rice later made history as the first Yankee in franchise annals to hit three home runs in a game as a rookie on July 6 at Yankee Stadium.

Four Patriots were included in the Yankees’ World Series roster, notably SS Anthony Volpe, who hit a Game 4 grand slam that contributed to an 11-4 victory.

After the season, Yankees RHP Luis Gil, the initial player assigned to Somerset in the affiliation back in 2021, earned the title of AL Rookie of the Year. Gil led all rookies with 15 victories, while his 171 strikeouts tied him for the most in any rookie category. He threw the first pitch and achieved the inaugural strikeout of the Patriots Double-A era on May 4, 2021.

“This award is a reflection of the diligent efforts of our front office, coaches, players, and every member of our organization who contributed to a remarkable season,” Co-Chairman Josh Kalafer stated. “We will continually value our extraordinary collaboration with the Yankees. It is a lifetime privilege to partake in the journey of future stars associated with the most recognized brand in sports and to share that experience with the best fans in the game.”