ave personnel news to report from the Somerset Patriots (independent; Atlantic League) and the Vermont Lake Monsters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League).
In Somerset, the Patriots have named Marc Schwartz as their new broadcaster.
Schwartz was hired as the Somerset Patriots’ Media Relations Manager in November of 2014 and will also continue in that role with the team throughout the year.
“I am beyond excited to begin the next stage of my career as the Somerset Patriots’ new radio broadcaster,” said Schwartz. “I have gotten to know a lot of the fan base here over the last couple of years on a personal level and know how passionate they are about Patriots baseball.”
The Syosset, New York native takes over the broadcasting responsibilities from Justin Antweil, who served as the team’s radio voice for the past five seasons. Antweil decided it was time to pursue other opportunities to help advance his broadcasting career and reach his ultimate goals in the field.
“The Patriots are a first class organization, and I am very grateful for the five memorable years I spent broadcasting their games,” said Antweil. “I will especially miss the meaningful relationships I formed with the fans, players, coaches, and front office staff. Now I look forward to building upon my tremendous experiences with the Patriots as I continue to pursue my passion for broadcasting.”
Schwartz began his broadcasting career at Quinnipiac University, where he was a multi-sport broadcaster for all four years with the Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network (QBSN). While at Quinnipiac, Schwartz interned as the radio broadcaster for the Keene Swamp Bats, a collegiate summer league baseball team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), and as a fill-in broadcaster for Yale University athletics.
After graduating from Quinnipiac in 2013, Schwartz worked as a broadcast/ media relations intern for the Charlotte Stone Crabs, the Advanced-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. There, he was the play-by-play broadcaster for every home game and select road games while also handling all communications for the team. The next year, Schwartz worked as the broadcast & media relations assistant for the Long Island Ducks, calling 46 games and assisting in all team communications.
“I can promise our fans that I will work as hard as I can every night to provide a professional, entertaining and informative broadcast. I would like to thank Justin for his help during this transition and wish him nothing but the best in his future opportunities,” Schwartz added.
In addition to his on-air responsibilities, Schwartz will continue his work in the media relations department, assisting in all aspects of communication, video production, SPN.tv, Social Media and sales.
“We’d like to thank Justin for his years of service to our team. His love and passion for the Somerset Patriots was apparent in every broadcast and team-related task he was given,” said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. “We are excited about the opportunity of bringing Marc on board in this role. He has excelled at so many different parts of the job already and this move allows him to take on even more in the media and broadcasting fields as he continues to grow within our organization.”
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In Vermont, the Lake Monsters have announced two additions to their front office staff.
Meg Patrick joins the Lake Monsters as the new Office Manager, and Maria Valentyn returns to the Lake Monsters as the Director of Community Relations and Promotions.
Originally from Hinesburg, Vermont, Meg Patrick joins the Lake Monsters with a wealth of management and accounting experience. After graduating from UVM, Meg spent several years working in California before returning to Vermont to join the Lake Monsters.
Maria Valentyn returns to the Lake Monsters after having served as the team’s Marketing and Fan Development Intern during the 2015 season. Maria graduated from St. Michael’s College in Colchester in 2016, and worked briefly in her home state of Wisconsin before returning to Vermont.
“We are very excited to add both Meg and Maria to our team,” says Lake Monsters General Manager Joe Doud. “Since first meeting Meg, we knew she would make a great addition to the Lake Monsters front office and have an instant impact. Her knowledge and skillset will be instrumental to our continued growth and success. Maria did a fantastic job for us in 2015 and we couldn’t be happier that she is joining us in a full-time role. Her existing knowledge of our mission and operations is a huge asset as she will be able to hit the ground running.”
Meg will primarily oversee the accounting operations for the Lake Monsters, along with focusing on other administrative duties. Maria will be striving to continue to grow the Lake Monsters brand in the community as well as build upon the family friendly atmosphere at historic Centennial Field.
“I couldn’t be happier to be back living in my home state of Vermont, and working for the Vermont Lake Monsters,” says Meg Patrick. “It will be great to work alongside CHAMP himself!”
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work for an organization that brings so much more than baseball to the greater Burlington community,” said Maria Valentyn. “I’m looking forward to a spectacular 2017 season and excited to see all of the great Lake Monsters fans at the ballpark.”