(Bridgewater, N.J., April 8, 2017) - 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 on Wednesday, July 12th.

The All-Star Game partnership was announced in a press conference at home plate of the ballpark’s playing field on Saturday, April 8th 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,” said Somerset Patriots Chairman Steve Kalafer. “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,” said Antoniades. “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 12th.”

The All-Star Game will include a post-game 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,” said Christopher. “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,” added Robert A. Marino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Horizon BCBSNJ. “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, New Jersey. The Somerset 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 pre-game 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.

About The Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are entering their 20th Season in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The team is among the most successful minor league franchises in the country, averaging between 5,200 and 5,300 fans per season and over 360,000 fans annually. The Somerset Patriots play their home games at award-winning TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The team has had tremendous success on the field, winning six league championships in their 13 playoff appearances under 15-year manager and now Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle (1977 Cy Young Award winner and New York Yankees legend) and current manager Brett Jodie (New York Yankees and San Diego Padres). The Somerset Patriots have helped 17 players make it all the way back to Major League Baseball.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the most comprehensive health care delivery system in New Jersey, with a service area covering five million people. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH in New Brunswick and Somerville, RWJUH- Hamilton, RWJUH- Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Children’s Specialized Hospital), a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and an accountable care organization.

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s second largest private employer – with more than 33,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.8 million members.

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)

The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
 

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