Somerset Patriots Host Health Night

Sometimes when you go to the ballpark, it’s for more than just a baseball game.

On Thursday, the Somerset Patriots defeated the Camden Riversharks, 10-2. But there were other promotions for the fans to enjoy during this game.

The Somerset Medical Center sponsored “Health Night” at , informing the fans about various health issues including proper eating and safety tips. 

In addition to that, the Patriots held “Cheerleading Night,” as teams from South Plainfield, Old Bridge and Morgan Parlin showed off their routines before the game.

Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Patriots, was in charge of organizing the promotional event, and said that the promotions are a great way to get people to the games. He said he understands the importance of local sponsors such as the Somerset Medical Group.

“With the Patriots, we try to create other reasons for people to come out to the games,” he said. “It’s not just a baseball game, but it’s also a learning experience especially in tonight’s instance. The Somerset Medical Center has done a great job for us and we have been having this Health Night for about 10 years now. Every year it’s different and unique.”

Health Night was held on the main concourse on the third base side, with tables set up to include educational information and games. The purpose of the table was to offer awareness in a non-intimidating and fun environment for both parents and children.

Phyllis Kumpf, one of the volunteers who worked the table for the Somerset Medical Center, said she knows the importance of the tips that the Medical Center was sharing and feels that these promotions are a perfect way to make people aware.

“We want to raise awareness for issues that occur during the summertime,” she said. “We have information about food safety, which is very important because the summertime is a popular time for food poisoning and other food-related illnesses. We also have safety information for kids who are going to be riding bikes or skating on skateboards."

"We feel that people, especially the children, need to be aware of these issues during the summer because they will be doing a lot of these things,” she added.

At one table, Kumpf had a game where fans had the opportunity to answer true or false questions about various safety tips. Next to that, was a table that informed fans about the new age “food pyramid” that is now simply known as the “food plate.”

Prizes and other gifts were given to fans who participated in the small games. Kumpf believes that the atmosphere is a great place for people to be educated while having fun.

“We try to have something engaging and entertaining while also keeping it educational,” he said. “None of our displays are threatening and not heavy handed. We want to just have an introduction to healthy lifestyle and by doing this, we believe that the fans will respond and absorb more information.”

Cheerleading night was held prior to the first pitch, and it gave young cheerleaders the opportunity to show their routines in front of a crowd.

McVery acknowledges that promotions such as these are great for the Patriots who thrive on affordable family entertainment. Cheerleading night is a way to get the whole family to the stadium to watch the children perform, and then to stay at the ballpark for a game.

“We have other nights other than Cheerleading Night that we like to do,” he said. “We have had everything from gymnastics, to dancing to karate demonstration. These events are one of the best ways we can get children and parents to the stadium and they can have a great night watching their performances as well as the Patriots.”

The Patriots return to play Friday night when the Long Island Ducks come to town for “Bark in the Park Night,” where fans will be able to bring their dogs to the stadium.