FREITAS AWARD: DOUBLE-A SOMERSET PATRIOTS

From indy ball to affiliated, Somerset continues its tradition of excellence in fruitful partnership with the Yankees

- MIKE ASHMORE

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.”