Game-worn jerseys to be auctioned at ballpark
Game-worn Somerset Patriots jerseys and sports memorabilia will be auctioned at TD Bank Ballpark on Sunday, July 26, to benefit Operation Shoebox New Jersey.
Players will stand atop the Patriots’ dugout alongside auctioneers from the New Jersey State Society of Auctioneers, who will compete to be selected Auctioneer of the Year.
Each game-worn uniform will go to the highest bidder and will be signed by the player.
Fans will also have the opportunity to win Patriots’ jerseys during the game. Operation Shoebox New Jersey volunteers will run a Tricky Tray auction and select winning tickets at the conclusion of the seventh inning of the game, which begins at 5:05 p.m. The Patriots will host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. Gates open at 4 p.m.
Somerset Patriots and Sparky Lyle memorabilia will highlight the sale, to be held at the conclusion of the game.
Fans will have a chance to view the display of items to be sold on the concourse.
“It’s great entertainment,” said Alfred Finnochiaro, winner of the 2011 auction contest. “Plus, at almost every auction — I don’t care if it’s backyard estate sale or at Sotheby’s — there’s always a bargain to be had if you’re a sharp buyer and if you pay attention.”
Standing atop the Patriots’ first base dugout, the auctioneers will sell a variety of Somerset Patriots’ and Major League sports memorabilia, including autographed baseballs, lithographs, vintage baseball cards, sports banners and other items.
Judges will grade auctioneer contestants on their ability to sell and entertain the crowd.
Sports artist and Flemington resident James Fiorentino will donate a limited-edition print to be sold at the auction.
A limited edition signed portrait of Patriots’ Manager Emeritus and former New York Yankees pitcher Sparky Lyle by Fiorentino will also be sold to the highest bidder. Honored as Atlantic League Manager of the Year three times during his tenure with the Patriots, Lyle had an 18-year career in the Major Leagues, winning the Cy Young Award with the New York Yankees in 1977.
Auction highlights include a Somerset Patriots Experience package which includes a hospitality suite for 30 people (food and beverages are not included); throwingout the ceremonial first pitch prior to a game; a chance to be on the field and in the dugout as Honorary Bat Boy or Bat Girl and a pre-game “Meet and Greet” with Patriots manager Brett Jodie, Lyle and players.
Auction spotters will be scattered throughout the stands to ensure everyone’s bid.
Money raised from the auction will be donated to Operation Shoebox New Jersey.
“We’re honored, privileged and excited to be a part of this unique event,” said Rod Hirsch, founder and executive director of Operation Shoebox New Jersey. “We’ve assembled some high-quality sports memorabilia in hopes that fans will stay after the game for the opportunity to bid – and bid often – on collectibles and opportunities that don’t come along that often.”
OPSHBX NJ is a non-profit organization that ships personal care packages to U.S.troops overseas.
Special reserved tickets are available by calling 732- 951-2100.
