Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
This theme night came about because, well, we’re shameless. After repeatedly advocating for a Minor League team to host a podcast theme night at the ballpark, the Patriots — led by senior VP of marketing Dave Marek — got in touch and offered to actually do it. From the initial communication through gameday execution, their attention to detail was superb.
For one glorious day in June, this was our Central New Jersey office. (The episode we produced covering our time with the Patriots can be found HERE).
The Patriots were established in the independent Atlantic League in 1998, with TD Bank Ballpark opening the following season. In 2021, as part of a larger reorganization of Minor League Baseball, they became the Double-A affiliate of the Yankees. Given their location, preexisting branding and front office sensibilities, it feels like the role they were born to play.
The Patriots’ name was inspired by their area’s Revolutionary War history (which also inspired their recently announced Semiquincentennials alternate identity). The Van Horne House, utilized during the Battle of Bound Brook, is located across the street from the ballpark’s third-base side.
The Patriots put together a jam-packed itinerary for the day, which included Sam, Tyler and I sitting in on their daily front office meeting. There was a lot to go over; the scheduled game was now a doubleheader and rehabbing Yankees Giancarlo Stanton and Marcus Stroman were scheduled to play.
For lunch we went to the Golden Diner in Bound Brook, a logical choice when you’re visiting a team with a New Jersey Diners alternate identity.
The Golden Diner was the perfect choice for a hearty steak and eggs lunch, and a reminder of why the New Jersey Diners alternate identity has been so successful: It celebrates local, independent businesses across the state, encouraging fans to support the places and people that make their community special. Let this serve as a reminder to support your local diner.
Throughout both ballgames, Sam, Tyler and I interviewed various ballpark characters and took part in a wide array of in-game activities. One of the highlights was a “live” podcast segment, broadcast over the PA between games.
When it came to between-inning games, Sam and Tyler were novices. This wasn’t my first rodeo, however.
Sam couldn’t stay upright no matter how hard he tried. First, he went down in the Pony Hop, with an “assist” from Tyler.
The Dizzy Bat Race was more of the same. Better luck next time, Sam.
It was a bit surreal, engaging in such high jinks while frequently crossing paths with Major League Baseball’s active leader in home runs.
During the second game I broke away from my podcasting brethren and met up with not one but FIVE designated eaters. It was their job to consume the ballpark cuisine that my gluten-free diet prohibits.
From left to right we have Phil O’Donnell, Brad Buchholtz, Eric Adams, Emma Teti and Fred Riess.
Yes, I usually only have one Designated Eater. But since this was a special evening, and since the Patriots were being so accommodating, I went ahead and said “yes” to everyone who emailed me asking for the “job.” Shoutout to food and beverage VP (and fellow “Weird Al” Yankovic fan) Mike McDermott for putting together a tremendous spread, which included a build-your-own hot dog bar as well as a triumvirate of scintillating items.
The Jersey Diner Burger is a double patty tapped with Case’s pork roll (don’t call it Taylor Ham) and American cheese on a waffle bun.
The Red, White and Blue Chicken Sandwich, created in partnership with local eatery 22 West Tap and Grill, is topped with roasted red peppers, white mozzarella and blue coleslaw.
Another of the team’s local partners is Prima Pizza Kitchen, who churn out picture-perfect pies.
If you’re unable to make it out to TD Bank Ballpark, bring it into your living room via the broadcast booth. Steven Cusumano (right) and his partner Joe Puccio were on the call in 2025, and within the course of this action-packed evening they found the time to include me, Tyler and Sam on the game broadcast.
One of the Patriots’ many acts of generosity on the evening included setting aside a suite for The Show Before the Show friends, family and co-workers. My son Harry, rocking a hat featuring San Jose Giants mascot Gigante, had a great time.
By the end of the evening, Harry all was tuckered out. We all were. Thanks to the Patriots for hosting The Show Before the Show Night, and, once again, check out our episode from Somerset *HERE.*
