The Jersey Diners have a brand new addition to the menu: The Greatest Alternate Id Award.
This honor, decided by way of on-line vote, was introduced throughout Monday night’s MiLB Awards broadcast on the MLB Community. Jersey Diners, an alternate identification of the Somerset Patriots, triumphed over six different nominees: Wichita Chili Buns, Chattanooga Wreckers, Winston-Salem Hype Hens, Nice Lakes Pontooners, Biloxi King Desserts and Spokane King Carl.
The Patriots — Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees — performed because the Diners on three events this season. The Diners identify and brand set, unveiled this previous January, have been a pure match for a crew that performs in central New Jersey. The state is called the Diner Capital of the World, as it’s house to over 500 diners (probably the most within the nation).
“The creativity, ardour and laborious work that went into making this one thing that basically resonated with followers and complemented their expertise was awe-inspiring to witness,” stated Patriots co-chairman Jonathan Kalafer. “From the launch announcement to sponsor outreach to the merch and gamers uniforms to our concessions menu to the sport day expertise — it was pure poetry.
“The Jersey Diners tapped into one thing deep in our neighborhood in that means that solely meals can, nevertheless it was the creativity and execution of the entrance workplace, concessions and game-day workers that made it work,” he continued. “Like every part that occurs in a ballpark it was a crew effort however [Patriots senior director of sales and marketing] Hal Hansen positively deserves particular recognition on this one.”
When the Jersey Diners have been first unveiled, Hansen instructed MLB.com that the identification was motivated by a want to honor meals related to the Backyard State.
“I used to be pondering, Jersey Corn? Jersey Tomatoes? However how a lot enjoyable might that be?” he stated. “So we sort of took a step backwards and checked out it from a broader perspective. Like, wait a minute, there are diners throughout New Jersey. This may be actually, actually enjoyable if we go on this course.”
The thought shortly grew from there. The Jersey Diners brand set, designed by Ryan Foose of Fooser Studios, features a major espresso cup picture complemented by secondary marks depicting pancakes, steak and eggs, and the Glad Waitress sandwich (a New Jersey diner staple).
When the crew performed because the Jersey Diners, “Blue Plate” diner specials resembling Disco Fries (French fries topped with cheese and gravy) have been supplied on the concession stands. A diner-themed seating space, named for crew mascot Sparkee, was put in on the concourse. On-line merchandise orders got here with classic paper diner worker caps, and the crew partnered with and promoted native diners all through the season.
“I believed I had a fairly good thought with the Jersey Diners, however I actually didn’t count on all the unimaginable fan enthusiasm, media consideration and gross sales success that has include it,” stated Hansen. “After which to be chosen because the Greatest Alternate Id on the MiLB Awards Present? It’s merely magical and icing on the cake. Or cheese and gravy on the fries, I suppose.”
