The 2017 Atlantic League All-Star Game is slated for TD Bank Ballpark, home of the Somerset Patriots, as the circuit marks its 20th season anniversary in one of its first markets.
Somerset and the Bridgeport Bluefish are two original franchises still in the league. (For the record: the other four teams in the circuit were the Atlantic City Surf, Nashua Pride, Newark Bears and Newburgh Black Diamonds.)
This will be the third time the Somerset Patriots will host the Atlantic League All-Star Game at TD Bank Ballpark. The team held the event in 2000 and most recently in 2008. The 2008 Atlantic League All-Star Game welcomed 8,290 fans, which remains the league record for the event. Special guests at the 2008 All-Star Game included honorary team captains Jim Frey and the late Don Zimmer. Donald Trump served as the Honorary Chair for the event and threw out a ceremonial first pitch.
“It’s always an honor to host an All-Star Game, but to be chosen for the 20th Anniversary Celebration makes it that much more special,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “The event allows the host to showcase their ballpark, organization, and community to the staffs and fans of the other seven teams in our league. We’ll get to welcome the very best players in the Atlantic League for a great event at our award-winning ballpark that our fans and everyone will remember for years to come.”