In a tribute to the history of diners throughout New Jersey, the Somerset Patriots, a Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have revealed their alternate identity as the "Jersey Diners" for the 2024 season. The rebranding is not just a celebration of the state's diner culture, but also a nod to the bonding and community spirit these establishments foster, much like the Patriots and Minor League Baseball itself.
New Jersey has more than 500 diners across the state. They are places where friends and families assemble to share meals and moments. Recognizing this significance, the Patriots' President and General Manager, Patrick McVerry, expressed enthusiasm about the rebranding. He emphasized that diners are an essential part of New Jersey's DNA and that the decision to rebrand resonates with the people of New Jersey.
The team is set to play under their new identity for three games scheduled for June 8th, July 26th, and August 11th at TD Bank Ballpark.
The neon blue and pink logos were created by Fooser Sports Designs. The main logo, written in pink script, replicates the exterior of an old-fashioned diner, encapsulating the classic diner feel. The jerseys mirror the logo with a neon blue base, pink piping, and pink numbers outlined in white. The sleeves feature pink and white checkers, a vintage diner boxcar logo, and a Patriots secondary head logo, both adapted to the Diners' color scheme. The team will also sport a tri-color hat adorned with a coffee mug mascot.
Jonathan Kalafer, Patriots Co-Chairman, stated that alternate identities are a fun and creative way of celebrating the community, and diners are a significant part of New Jersey culture. He drew parallels between the Patriots and diners, emphasizing their shared values of customer service and their roles as venues for social gatherings.