The Somerset Patriots announced an all-star partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to present the 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game to be played at TD Bank Ballpark July 12.
The All-Star Game partnership was announced in a press conference at home plate of the ballpark’s playing field April 8 at the Somerset Patriots’ annual Fan Fest event.
“We are fortunate to have such wonderful partners here with the Somerset Patriots. Two of those are RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey,” Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer said. “Together, we are going to give our fans, partners, Atlantic League players and staffs an experience they’ll never forget.”
The 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game will feature a patriotic theme to celebrate the rich Revolutionary War history of the area in which the Somerset Patriots play.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Michael Antoniades represented RWJBarnabas Health at the press announcement.
“We are so excited. This is such an important partnership between the Somerset Patriots and RWJBarnabas Health,” Antoniades said. “It’s been 20 years of a great partnership that we are so proud to be involved in at the ballpark. We are looking forward to joining forces with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey for a spectacular All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 12.”
The All-Star Game will include a postgame Fireworks Show, entertainment from the ZOOperstars!, BirdZerk and all the mascots from around the Atlantic League.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s Vice President of Clinical Operations Mary Ann Christopher was also on hand to address the crowd.
“We are delighted to team up with the Somerset Patriots and RWJBarnabas Health for the All-Star Game,” Christopher said. “What’s better than offering affordable family fun with three great partners that are really entrenched and devoted to the community in New Jersey?”
The speakers were flanked at the podium by Somerset Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle, manager Brett Jodie, hitting/third base coach Glen Barker, pitching coach Cory Domel and team mascots Sparkee, Slider and General Admission.
“We were proud to join the Somerset Patriots, their owner, Steve Kalafer, and our friends at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health at ‘Fan Fest 2017.’ This premier event is fun for families, fans and friends, and it’s also a chance to learn about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, sticking to a good diet and exercising every day,” Robert A. Marino, chairman and chief executive officer of Horizon BCBSNJ, said. “Horizon is celebrating our 85th anniversary this year, and it’s great to team up with the Patriots as they celebrate their 20-year anniversary, and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s All-Star Game right here at TD Bank Ballpark on July 12.”
The 20th Atlantic League All-Star Game will be the third time the event will take place in Bridgewater. The Patriots hosted the mid-summer classic in 2000 and 2008 to sellout crowds.
In addition to a home run derby before the game, fans will also be treated to a pregame autograph session with all the all-star players and coaches and special giveaways at the gate, including commemorative tickets, programs, baseball cards and more.
Tickets for the 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game presented by RWJBarnabas Health and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey are now on sale. To purchase tickets, stop by the ballpark, call 908-252-0700 or order online at www.somersetpatriots.com.