Military Appreciation Event Raises Over $12,600 For Veterans

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, raised over $12,600 for local veterans’ organizations during their Military Appreciation Weekend events.

Saluting our veterans🫡 pic.twitter.com/gou36A9Kih

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 21, 2023

In conjunction with Minor League Baseball’s Military Appreciation Day, the Patriots hosted their annual Veterans of America Day on Sunday, May 21 at TD Bank Ballpark.

The Patriots welcomed hundreds of veterans and their families as guests of the team to enjoy a special pre-game program honoring veterans and then stay for the game against the Reading Fightin Phils (Philadelphia Phillies). The guest of honor for the event was Matthew Yacovino, a 98-year-old World War II veteran from North Brunswick and Asbury Park.

The Patriots wore commemorative jerseys that were auctioned off online and signed by the player or coach who wore it that day. The auction raised over $11,500, the most of any prior fundraising auction hosted by the team. The top jersey was Yankees No. 1 prospect Jasson Dominguez, which sold for just over $3,600.

“We felt these military-themed jerseys were going to be a big hit and had the chance to make a large amount of money in support of the men and women that have served our country,” said Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We’d like to thank our fans for their generosity and the players and coaches for participating in our fundraising efforts in support of those that have fought to keep us safe and free.”

In addition, the 50/50 raffle at the ballpark on May 21 raised another $1,068. The combination of both fundraising efforts will be distributed through the Somerset Patriots Foundation to several local veterans’ organizations over the next few weeks.

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. To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.