AtL Somerset Patriots

Sparky Lyle Becomes Manager Emeritus; Brett Jodie Named New Somerset Patriots Manager

Published on November 28, 2012 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Bridgewater, NJ- Sparky Lyle, the Somerset Patriots manager since the team began play in the Atlantic League in 1998, has stepped down from his position and has become the team's manager emeritus.

"It's been a great 15 years. I'd like to thank Steve Kalafer, the Somerset Patriots, and all of our fans. I'm proud of everything we've accomplished together during this time," Lyle said.

In January of 1997, Lyle was the first employee hired by the team. Despite no prior coaching or managing experience, Patriots chairman Steve Kalafer saw something special in Lyle, who had been out of baseball since 1982 and was working in a client relations role at the Claridge Casino in Atlantic City and filming commercials for Miller Lite.

Lyle went on to become the winningest manager in Atlantic League history with 1,024 victories and led the Patriots to five championships (2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009) in 15 seasons.

The Patriots finished with 12 consecutive winning seasons from 1999-2010 that in addition to the record five championships, also included eight Division Titles and 12 Half Championships.

"The championships are what you go out there to play for everyday. We had great players come through that knew what it takes to be a winner and made my job much easier and a lot more fun. I owe a lot to them," Lyle said.

Lyle was named the Atlantic League Manager of the Year three times (1999, 2003, 2009).

In his position as manager emeritus, Lyle will be at all home games to meet and greet special guests down on the field, interact with fans, and be a team ambassador at the ballpark and throughout the community.

"This place has become my second home. I love coming to the ballpark, seeing our fans, and making their time with us special. I'm glad that everything worked out where it won't feel like I'm leaving at all," Lyle added.

Lyle will be succeeded by Brett Jodie, who served as his pitching coach since 2006 and took over as Director of Player Personnel as well in 2007.

Jodie has been with the Somerset Patriots as a player, pitching coach, and Director of Player Personnel over the past decade.

"I do appreciate all the opportunities I've been given by the Patriots. I fell in love with Somerset ever since I played here in 2003. I've been blessed with a job where I can make a living at something I love doing in a place I love to be. It doesn't get any better than that," Jodie said.

As a pitcher, Jodie helped lead the Patriots to a championship in 2003, when he finished with a 12-5 record, 3.78 ERA, and 88 strikeouts in 135 innings pitched.

He was signed by the Boston Red Sox organization and reported to spring training with the team in 2004 before getting injured and returning to Somerset in 2005 for the first half of the season.

He became the team's pitching coach in 2006 and added Director of Player Personnel to his responsibilities with the team in 2007.

He has been a part of three championship teams during his time in Somerset and has put together four teams that made it to the playoffs since taking over the player personnel for the team.

Jodie takes over the managing position from Lyle, who has been the only manager in team history.

"Working alongside Sparky for nine years has been nothing but a pleasure. The insight, the knowledge, and learning more about the game from him is something I will always cherish," Jodie said. "I look forward to continuing our friendship in his new role and am glad he will continue to be a big part of the organization he helped build."

In addition to managing, Jodie will continue the role of Director of Player Personnel.

"My goal is the same as our fans. They come excited to see a great product on the field and to win championships and games. I am one of the most competitive people you'll ever meet. I expect to win and want people around me that want the same. I look forward to following in the winning tradition that Sparky has created here," said Jodie.

The announcement was made official at a press conference on November 28th at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ.

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