(Bridgewater, N.J., March 15, 2019) - The Somerset Patriots today announced that “fan favorite” infielder Scott Kelly has been re-signed for the 2019 season.
“We’ve got ourselves a new season with new opportunities,” said Kelly. “Somerset is a special place. I’m hungrier than ever for this season; just as hungry as my first season. We have the potential to have a great year.”
Kelly enters his sixth season with the Somerset Patriots and sixth in the Atlantic League. He is the longest tenured player on the team, after originally earning a spot on the roster from the 2014 spring training open tryouts.
The versatile infielder stole 10 bases and notched seven RBI over 55 games last year. He split time between second base, third base and shortstop defensively; all three positions in which he played frequently in 2017. That season, Kelly stole 25 bases and set career highs in RBI (31), walks (38) and triples (four). His 25 steals ranked second on the team, while he also finished third on the team in at-bats (340) and fourth in runs (52).
The West Windsor, New Jersey native appeared in a career-high 116 games in 2016 and set career marks in hits (102), runs (66), doubles (17), and stolen bases (38) along with a .265 average. The 38 steals led the team and ranked fourth overall in the Atlantic League. He also stole seven bases in 2015 and 20 bases in 2014.
“It is a pleasure to be joined by the one and only Scott Kelly in 2019,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “Scott is a special person and player in our Somerset family. He pursues everything in life with such wonderful outlook, attitude and passion. He is so positive and it is infectious in everyone who is fortunate enough to be around him. Scott works extremely hard to serve a variety of roles for our team. He’s a plus defender and baserunner that puts together solid at-bats. You never have to question the effort or the desire to win from Kelly.”
The College of New Jersey standout owns a .244 average with two home runs, 88 RBI, 183 runs and 100 stolen bases over 395 games in his five-year career with the Patriots. The 100 steals are the third-most in franchise history, just 16 shy of tying Michael Warner for second on the all-time list (116).
Kelly hit .345 and .346 in his last two collegiate seasons at TCNJ, respectively. Additionally, he is the all-time leader at TCNJ in at-bats (663) and stolen bases (98), while ranking second in runs scored (165) and fourth in games played (161).
The Somerset Patriots will be back in action on Friday, April 26th for Opening Day at TD Bank Ballpark. Stay up to date on all the team news throughout the offseason online; on all of our social media platforms, and on our mobile app. For more information, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 900 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 40 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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