The Somerset Patriots will begin their tenth season of play tomorrow and remain only one of four teams to have been with the independent Atlantic League since launching back in 1998. During this time, the franchise has suited up 251 players, 13 coaches and only one manager.

In nine years Somerset has seen history create itself and re-create itself in fantastic fashion. To honor the team reaching the decade mark – and this being my 220th article for The Democrat since 2000 -- I’ve compiled a list of the Patriots’ greatest moments.

In no specific order, here’s part one of a look back at the Top 10 moments in Patriots history.

10. Within four years of winning their first A.L. Championship in 2001, the Patriots took home two additional titles; in the meantime, no other franchise has more than one. Under the management of former New York Yankee great Sparky Lyle, Somerset has won championships every other year since 2001, so if history repeats itself then 2007 would be their year – again.

9. When the U.S. Olympic Committee wanted to see two former major leaguers in action before deciding if they’d be lucky enough to play for their squad, those in charge (namely Bob Watson) came calling to the Patriots. On July 17, 2000, Tim Raines and Pat Kelly signed four-day contracts to play for Somerset, batting a respectable .363 and .333 during that span. At the time, Watson told me: “Whatever they do here is not going to reflect upon my decision in the end.” The former Yankees G.M. was correct because both former Yankees ended up missing the cut.

Somerset did agree to pay both players for their short stint; however, Raines gave the money back, telling the Patriots to give it to the rest of the players for dinner on him.

8. Speaking of the Olympics: While Kelly and Raines didn’t make it, the Patriots had several players over the years who, at one time, played in the International competition. Among those: Rick Krivda (US – 2000), Shane Heams (US – 2000), Ryan Radmanovich (Canada – 2004), Kevin Nicholson (Canada – 2004), Todd Betts (Canada – 2004), and Jason Dickson (Canada – 2004).

As far as where Krivda says he keeps his medal: "It is sitting in my nightstand in my bedroom.”

7. While Raines was one of the all-time greats at stealing bases, the Patriots had their own speedster on the base paths. In 2000, infielder Billy Hall swiped a professional baseball record 66 consecutive stolen bases without being caught, a feat not even all-time MLB leader Rickey Henderson has accomplished. The former Florida Marlins farmhand’s streak came to an end on August 6, 2000 in a game vs. the Bridgeport Bluefish. Hall, who’s never met Henderson, but has crossed paths with Raines, amassed 272 stolen bases during his Patriots career and 632 over his 14-year career.

6. When several gentleman sat down to discuss the prospects of a new independent league, their main objective was to help players return to the big leagues. The Patriots have done their share in making sure that happens, helping over 50 players return to the majors or make their debut, including Brandon Puffer, Mitch Melusky and who could forget Joe Winkelsas.

Two players (Meluskey and Jason Shiell) returned to the majors that same season, while two others (Mike Glavine and Brandon Puffer) made their debuts after spending time with the Patriots.

5. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… Donald Trump’s helicopter? The Trumpster plopped his aircraft down in Commerce Bank Ballpark’s centerfield during the 2004 season and players and coaches clamored around the billionaire, seeking autographs from the awkward haired one. Trump watched the game from a luxury box for five innings before flying back to his pad in New York City.

Earlier during his visit, Trump comment on the Patriots’ home turf: “This is really one of the most beautiful minor league stadiums that I’ve ever seen.”

4. The Patriots have had very few coaching changes over the past nine years; however, near the end of the 2005 season, there was one that stirred up a lot of questions. For six seasons, John “The Count” Montefusco was manager Sparky Lyle’s right-hand man, handling pitching staffs that were always among the top in the league. Just a few weeks shy of the end of the 2005 season, Montefusco, a former MLB NL Rookie of the Year and no-hitter pitcher, resigned for unexplained reasons.

3. The Patriots reached the 500-win mark on July 20, 2005 against the Lancaster Barnstormers and have picked up 100 more since. The club is the second winningest franchise in league history behind the Bridgeport Bluefish (632-495) and are tied with the now-gone Atlantic City Surf (600-525).

2. 2004 was Victor Rodriguez’ year. The shortstop who possessed little speed, but a tremendous bat, went on to win the A.L. MVP Award that season, batting .371 with 25 home runs, 111 RBIs and 171 hits. The former Yankee farmhand also set league records with average and hits, along with breaking the Patriots’ home run and RBI marks. Rodriguez never returned to Somerset the next season and has bounced around indy ball since, including a stint with the Newark Bears in 2006 and re-signed with them for 2007.

Rodriguez attributed one thing to his outstanding play: "Getting to play everyday is what's been good about this season,” he said in 2004.

1. Speaking of great seasons: Michael Warner had one of the best in all of professional independent baseball in 2001. The Lakewood, NJ native batted .351 with 17 home runs, 103 RBI, 31 doubles, 99 runs scored and 30 stolen bases. He was the league MVP, an All-Star and even was named by Baseball America as their Independent League Baseball Player of the Year. Warner went on to sign with the Oakland Athletics, but never received a good shot at making their big league roster, instead spending a short time in Triple-A. He returned to Somerset in 2003 and has since been unofficially retired.