Multiple Groups Featured During Baseball Game

Police, Irish dancers and pop warner teams—all were recognized during a night of many extras at the Somerset Patriots game at TD Bank Ballpark Saturday.

As part of Law Enforcement Night, vehicles from the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and Raritan Borough Police Department were on display outside the stadium prior to the game. Officers handed out sheriff's badge stickers to young fans, and members of the K-9 unit allowed residents to get up close with the police dogs.

In honor of the celebration, Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano participated in the opening pitch ceremony, and members of the Sheriff's Office were on hand during the game to tell residents about the various services they provide and to hand out free gun locks as part of Project ChildSafe.

While law enforcement talked about safety, it was also Irish Night at the ballpark.  Members of the Peter Smith School of Irish Dance performed a routine on the field before the game.

During the game, the colorfully dressed troupe danced on the concourse, and, in keeping with the theme, the night's fan poll topic was favorite Irish actor.  Matthew McConaughey beat out Bono and Liam Neeson.

Several area Pop Warner teams also paraded onto the field in recognition of Pop Warner Night. Members of the Somerville Rams, Metuchen Bulldogs and Washington Rock  Raiders were on hand to participate in the festivities.