Minor League Baseball in New Jersey: The Atlantic League
The Teams of the Atlantic League
There are seven local squads in the Atlantic League, an independent minor league system which has become a breeding ground for players looking to break into Major League Baseball. Here’s a rundown of the teams, their stadiums and their history. Check the teams’ websites often as they are constantly offering new promotions such as $1 beer and hot dog nights; don’t miss out. You can find more information about the league at atlanticleague.com.
Atlantic City Surf
545 N Albany Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609.344.8873
acsurf.com
The Surf won the inaugural league championship in 1998 and have been an integral part of the AL ever since. They play at the beautiful Bernie Robbins Stadium (formerly The Sandcastle) right near the water.
Bridgeport Bluefish
500 Main St.
Bridgeport, CT 06604
203-345-4800
bridgeportbluefish.com
The Bluefish are owned by the city of Bridgeport and have made the playoffs every year in the history of the league except for 2005 (they won it all in 1999). They will be hosting the Atlantic League All Star Game at their state of the art stadium, Harbor Yard, on July 12th.
Camden Riversharks
401 N Delaware Ave.
Camden, NJ 08102
856-963-8534
riversharks.com
Campbell’s Field, the home of the Camden Riversharks, is located right on the Delaware River and has been voted by Baseball American as the Independent Baseball “Park of the Year”. The stadium sits at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and has a beautiful view of the Philadelphia skyline.
Lancaster Barnstormers
650 N Prince St.
Lancaster, PA 17604
717-509-4487
lancasterbarnstormers.com
The Barnstormers are off to a great start in 2006. They have the best record in the South Division. Lancaster is the lone Pennsylvania representative in the Atlantic League and their ballpark, Clipper Magazine Stadium, is often full with loyal fans.
Long Island Ducks
3 Court House Dr.
Central Islip, NY 11722
631-940-DUCK
liducks.com
The Long Island Ducks, 2004 Atlantic League champions, are entering their seventh season of play at Citibank Park, located in Central Islip, N.Y. The 22 million dollar facility seats 6,002 fans, and is home to Long Island’s first professional baseball team. You might have heard about the Ducks in the news recently; former MLB closer and wild man John Rocker was briefly a member of the team.
Newark Bears
450 Broad St.
Newark, NJ 07102
973-848-1000
newarkbears.com
The Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club, formed in 1998, inaugurated their state-of-the-art ballpark in the “Brick City” on July 16, 1999. Home to the team and conveniently located a block from the New Jersey Transit Station, Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium (AKA: “The Den”) enjoys a terrific urban setting with breathtaking views of downtown Newark, the Passaic River, railroad bridges and the Manhattan skyline. The Bears won the league championship in 2002.
Somerset Patriots
1 Patriots Park
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
908-252-0700
somersetpatriots.com
The gem of the Atlantic League, the Somerset Patriots have been the champions a record three times (2001, 2003 and 2005). The Patriots are managed by 1977 Cy Young Award winner and New York Yankee great Sparky Lyle, who was a two time World Champion with the Yankees. Lyle has earned two Atlantic League “Manager of the Year” honors (1999 and 2003) and is the winningest manager in Atlantic League history.
Now, go out and enjoy some game!
