Hundreds Of Toys And Food Items Collected For Those In Need

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, collected hundreds of donated items during the team’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive on Saturday, December 10.

Holiday cheer✅🎄 pic.twitter.com/Q8mYIfJFTq

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) December 10, 2022

The event took place at the Team Store at TD Bank Ballpark and saw fans arrive throughout the day with new, unwrapped toys to benefit Central New Jersey Toys For Tots and non-perishable food items for the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.

As he has been doing for the past 20 years, Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle was on site to meet fans, take pictures and sign autographs as a special thank you to all that donated.

“This is always a special event for me and everyone at the Somerset Patriots,” said Lyle. “I can’t believe how many toys came in. Some people showed up needing help getting carts full of donations from their cars. I think it was the most we ever collected in all the years of doing this. Our fans once again came through to bring some holiday cheer to those that need it the most this time of year.”

In addition to Lyle, team mascot Sparkee mingled with fans as holiday music played throughout the team store. The 2022 Eastern League Championship Trophy was also on display for pictures.

Shoppers were able to pick up team apparel and other novelties for Patriots fans on their holiday lists. Featured items included the recently released Marvel-inspired merchandise and championship gear.

About the Somerset Patriots

_The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. _