Somerset Patriots: Baseball America’s 2024 Double-A Freitas Award Winner
A standard of excellence that began in the independent Atlantic League is alive and well for the Somerset Patriots.
Now affiliated with the Yankees, the franchise has thrived on and off the field for 25 years. That helped make the Patriots recipients of this year’s Freitas Award at Double-A.
The recognition continues a tradition as one of the top organizations in professional baseball, one that traces back to the team’s beloved late founder Steve Kalafer. It is proudly carried on today by his sons, co-chairmen Jonathan and Josh Kalafer.
“Minor League Baseball is composed of some of the most creative and innovative people in any field,” Jonathan Kalafer said. “Being fortunate enough to be a part of the MiLB community puts a smile on our faces every day, and to be recognized as the best this year is the icing on the cake.”
“We will never take for granted our extraordinary partnership with the Yankees,” Josh Kalafer added. “It is the privilege of a lifetime to be a part of the journey of the future stars of the most recognizable brand in sports and to be able to share it with the best fans in the game.”
Since the opening of what’s now called TD Bank Ballpark in 1999, those fans have been coming out in big numbers. First they supported the most successful franchise in Atlantic League history—Somerset won six championships in 21 seasons—and now they root for the successful Double-A affiliate of the Yankees. Somerset won the Eastern League in 2022 and has made three straight postseason appearances.
Longtime president and GM Patrick McVerry made sure the Patriots made a smooth transition from independent to affiliated baseball, a journey that began in 2021 when MLB took over operation of the minor leagues.
“That has a lot to do with the staff, many of whom have been here for two decades,” McVerry said. “We grew into our positions, we grew with the Atlantic League.
“But, because of Steve Kalafer, we ran our organization similar to how the Yankees run theirs . . . (and) when the Yankees came calling, the timing felt right—and I feel like they made a great choice to come here.”
The feeling appears to be mutual, with the Yankees-Somerset partnership having been an unquestionable success over its first four years.
Off the field, Somerset has been lauded for innovations in promotions and marketing. Their Jersey Diners alternate identity went viral quickly in 2024, a year which was also highlighted by a tribute to the Black Yankees, Sopranos Night and a Joe Torre appearance.
In 2024, the Patriots also set high marks both in social media engagement—fourth at Double-A with over 39 million total impressions—and broadcasting, with their 1.6 million minutes streamed being tops at the level, not to mention eight games being shown on the Yankees’ YES Network.
In short, it’s been easy for the Yankees organization to keep tabs on what’s happening on the field, whether that be the development of current big league cornerstones like Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells, or the numerous major league rehabs throughout the year.
That included Gerrit Cole’s June 4 rehab start, which drew an affiliation-era record 8,260 fans to Somerset’s home park in Bridgewater, N.J.
“The Kalafer family and the Patriots staff have shown an unbelievable commitment to the development of our players,” Yankees senior vice president and GM Brian Cashman said, “and have been incredible partners in investing in our future.
“This is not only demonstrated by the premier facilities in Somerset, but also in the results with over 43 former Patriots going on to become major leaguers since our affiliation began in 2021.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this well-
deserved recognition, and we are excited to continue to grow our partnership with the Patriots.”
