AtL Somerset Patriots

Retirement of Sparky Lyle's Number 28 Highlights the 2014 Somerset Patriots Promotional Schedule

Published on February 10, 2014 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have announced that the team will retire Sparky Lyle's number 28 during the 2014 season.

The number retirement ceremony will take place on the field prior to the team's 7:05 pm game at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, June 14th. The ceremony will begin at 6:35 pm and the Patriots encourage all fans to arrive early to be part of the festivities.

As part of the event, the first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a Sparky Lyle #28 Commemorative Pin and card highlighting his career with the Somerset Patriots.

"I am truly honored and humbled to have my number retired with the Somerset Patriots. Not only has the organization been where the second chapter of my baseball life took place, it became my home. The organization, the players and coaches I've worked with, and the fans have made it very special over 15 years. This will be one of the highlights of my career and I look forward to sharing the day with my family, friends, and of course our fans," said Lyle.

After a 16- year Major League career, most notably with the New York Yankees, Lyle returned to baseball as the manager of the Somerset Patriots for the team's first 15 seasons (1998-2012). He moved into his current role with the team as Manager Emeritus prior to the 2013 season. Lyle is the winningest manager in Atlantic League history with 1,025 wins, five Atlantic League Championships, 12 Half Titles, and nine Division Championships.

Lyle's number is the first retired by the Somerset Patriots in team history. The number 28 will prominently be displayed at the ballpark beginning at the June 14th game.

"This obviously makes sense as the first and only number so far to be retired by us. Sparky has done so much for the Somerset Patriots since day one and we will forever be grateful to him. This is our way to say thank you and honor his legacy for what he's meant to our past, present, and future," said Steve Kalafer, Chairman of the Somerset Patriots Baseball Club.

More details of the ceremony will be released closer to the event. The Sparky Lyle Number Retirement Night headlines the 2014 Promotional Schedule just released on the Somerset Patriots website. The 2014 season will include 17 Fireworks Nights, three collectible Oyo Figurine Days (Sparkee, Sparky Lyle, and Jon Hunton), T-Shirts, Hats, and many more special giveaways and themes.

Tickets for all 70 home games are now available at the ballpark, by calling (908) 252-0700, or by visiting www.somersetpatriots.com .

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