Basking Ridge Grad Joins Somerset Patriots In Spring Training

Basking Ridge, NJ -- A Basking Ridge native and right-handed pitcher has been asked to join the Somerset Patriots in spring training.

J.B. Kole was selected after participating in the Patriots' open tryouts to join the team. He will participate in spring training on Tuesday, April 12.

“It’ll be nice playing so close to home. Coming to the tryout took about 25 minutes,” stated Kole in a release. “I felt that the command of my fastball was definitely there, which is a must for just about any pitcher. I felt consistency with my changeup and then towards the end my slider had everything working for me. I’m looking forward to getting back out on the mound and competing at a very high level.”

Kole has played two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers organization at the Rookie Ball level.

He spent the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Helena of the Pioneer League where he appeared in 27 games over the past two years. Last season, he finished with a 4.38 ERA and 31 strikeouts over 49.1 innings pitched, according to a release from the Patriots.

A Ridge High School graduate, Kole was the 2011 Somerset County Player of the Year and the MVP of the Somerset County Championship Tournament held at TD Bank Ballpark, according to the release. He played college ball at Villanova University before becoming the eighth round pick of the Brewers in the 2014 June Amateur Draft.

“J.B. has a great downward angle and good arm. He located well with a good two and four seam fastball. He also showed a good changeup and a decent slider when he does not try to overthrow it. I am excited to see him come out to camp and compete,” stated Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie in a release.

Along with Kole, Mike Kerns, a catcher, was also selected at the open tryouts to join the Patriots.

Kerns brings two seasons of professional baseball experience, most recently with the Camden Riversharks in 2015. The year prior, Kerns had his best season with Roswell and hit .377 with 63 hits and 37 RBI in 49 games played in 2014.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2016 Somerset Patriots season, stop by TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.