Patriots Reload for 2012 with Renewed Confidence

Sparky Lyle will begin his 15th season as manager of the Somerset Patriots. After a difficult 2011 that saw the Somerset Patriots finish third in the Freedom Division and well out of the Atlantic League playoff race, the upcoming season sees Somerset with new faces and a renewed determination.  2012 is the 15th anniversary season for the Patriots and the man at the helm for all 15 years has been manager Sparky Lyle.  The Yankee legend has made a home here in Somerset and brought the winning traditions of the Yankees to the Atlantic League contenders.  When thinking about being here for such a long time, the time has flown for Lyle.  “I guess when I started this, I was planning on it,” Lyle said.  “I think it all has to do with winning and doing what we are supposed to be doing.  As an organization, we have not varied too much from what we planned on in the beginning and I still love it and cannot wait for baseball season to start and it’s just a good thing.” Talking about the turnov...