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Sports

Pilots Set to Wrap Up Successful First Season at Snyder Field

The Jersey Pilots are winding down inaugural season in Berkeley Heights.

Having been a resident of Berkeley Heights for the last 36 years, Jersey Pilots’ owner Ben Smookler has always dreamed of the opportunity to bring his squad to play in his hometown.

When former Pilots’ player and current Governor Livingston Baseball Coach Chris Roof came to Smookler with the opportunity to play at Snyder Field, the longtime owner knew it was the chance that he had been waiting for.

“We used to play all over the place — North Plainfield, Bridgewater-Raritan, Seton Hall University, Lyndhurst, Jersey City,” Smookler said. “Now I get to live two minutes from our home field (Snyder Field).”

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The move to Snyder Field has been a breath of fresh air for Smookler and his club, who says the town has been wonderful in providing the team with a great home and a group of eager fans. 

“They have been very good to us, giving us what we need,” said Smookler. “They’ve been great, doing things like building new bullpens for us.”

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The team has also gotten a big hand from some of the local businesses including Stop N' Shop, and . Because Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) teams allow fans free entry to their games, team owners like Smookler must be proactive in building relationships with local commerce. 

“Prior to the season, I met with the Chamber of Commerce in town and went on the local TV station,” said Smookler, who explained that the organization is as close to being profitable as it has in years’ past.

The Pilots, who compete in the ACBL, have produced 18 major leaguers in more than 40 years of existence.

“They say that 1-in-1000 minor league ball players make it to the majors,” said Smookler. “Well, we have had 18 out of our 200 professional ball players make it to the top.”

Not only has the team produced roughly 200 professional players since its formation more than 40 years ago, it also provides internship opportunities for aspiring broadcasters and sports managers.

“With us, anyone has the opportunity to make it professionally, from ball players to announcers,” said Smookler.

This season, Smookler employs assistant general manager Will Reynolds of St. John’s University and impressive play-by-play man John Vittas from the University of Maryland.  Fans are able to hear Vittas call the Pilots games on the teamline.cc website by entering the “team code” of 3510.

On the field, the squad features standouts from across the state including many players who also play collegiately in New Jersey. Smookler relies on his years of experience and relationships with scouts, college coaches and former Pilots’ players to build his roster each summer.

Sunday night was a beautiful night for a ballgame for Pilots’ fans who saw the home team drop a close 9-6 game to the North Jersey Eagles.

After falling behind 9-2 headed into the 8th inning, the Pilots staged a comeback that saw them pull within three after a would-be Stephen Nappe RBI double.

Earlier in the game, Nappe started an impressive 5-4-3 triple play after making an impressive stab on a grounder to third. With the loss, the Pilots now sit a full game behind the Allentown Raiders for the final playoff spot in the Wolff Division.

The Pilots have three games remaining, including Thursday’s double-header with the Quakertown Blazers. That night will also serve as fan appreciation night with the team honoring the local supporters for a great season at Snyder Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.   

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