Official Somerset Patriots Press Release:
Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will be honoring MLB and pinstriped legend, Yogi Berra, at TD Bank Ballpark on Friday August 5.
The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Yogi Berra Bobblehead Doll courtesy of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Gates open at 6:00 pm for the Patriots’ 7:05 pm game versus the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets).
The event will focus on Berra’s career as a member of the Yankees. Between 1946-1963, the beloved catcher hit .285 with 2,148 hits, 358 home runs and 1,430 RBI. In that time, Berra won 10 World Series titles, was selected to 18 All-Star Games and was named the American League MVP three times.
In 1950, Berra hit .322 with 28 home runs and 124 RBI in 656 plate appearances in which he only struck out 12 times. In MLB history, he is one of only two players with more than 350 home runs and fewer than 500 strikeouts (Joe DiMaggio).
Berra caught both ends of day-night double headers 117 times in his career and still holds the record for most RBI by a catcher with 1,430.
He finished his career across town with the New York Mets. After his playing days, Berra was named the manager for the Yankees in 1964 and again between 1984 and 1985, reaching the World Series in just his first year as manager. He also served as manager for the Mets from 1972-1975, which included a World Series appearance in 1973. He was a coach with the Mets when the team won their first World Series in 1969.
Berra was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in August of 1972 – 50 years ago – and had his #8 retired by the Yankees the same year.
There will be a pre-game ceremony on the field starting at approximately 6:40 pm with members of the Berra family including Yogi’s sons Larry and Dale, as well as granddaughter Lindsay Berra.
The Yogi Berra Museum will be on-site with a concourse display featuring memorabilia from Berra’s life and assorted giveaways. The evening’s 50/50 raffle will benefit the museum’s educational programs.
Throughout the game, fans will be able to enjoy special videos and information about Berra’s life, including a scavenger hunt with a chance to win prizes.
In addition to celebrating his baseball career with both New York baseball teams, the night is Italian-American Night to honor Berra’s connection to his Italian roots.
Highlighted menu items for the game include toasted ravioli, a favorite of Berra’s, as well as grilled Premio rope-sausage and Rita’s Italian Ice.
The Patriots will welcome Italian-American organizations including Italian American Baseball Foundation, Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County, UNICO, Hunterdon County Chapter of Filitalia, De Sapio Dual Citizenship Services, Canal Walk Italian American Club, and Sons of Italy Lodge #2561 (Parsippany).
Fans will be able to enjoy Italian music during the game. Copies of The Italian Tribune will be available for free featuring an exclusive article about Patriots shortstop Anthony Volpe, the Yankees No. 1 prospect.