The Atlantic League announced last month it would not have a 2020 regular season for its independent baseball clubs, but that's not stopping the Somerset Patriots, who have created a league of their own with the Somerset Professional Baseball Series, which will feature two teams comprised of all local ballplayers.

“We're looking at six weeks, 12 games, 7:05 p.m. games and we're looking so, so forward to this happening this year,” says team president and General Manager Patrick McVerry.

TD Bank Ballpark will house the Patriots and New Jersey Blasters this summer. Both rosters will be managed by the Patriots’ organization with some familiar players, as well as some new faces that were selected from open tryouts.

“Some of them have never been on a professional baseball field, a lot of them were great college athletes, maybe they got passed over in the draft, so it's really affording them an opportunity to get on the field,” says McVerry.

The organization says safety is the number one priority. Only 500 fans will be permitted and their seats will be spaced out to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Masks are also required.

“This is a plan that has been heavily vetted by health care professionals, meets the CDC guidelines and state of New Jersey executive orders,” says Steve Kalafer, team chairman emeritus.

The organization says bringing professional baseball back to the state this summer is all about upholding its commitment to the community.

“We're going to put smiles back on the faces of our fans,” says Kalafer. “You're going to hear the crack of the bat, the sizzling of the hot dog, the opening of a cold Coca-Cola and a beer.”

The season runs from July 17 to Aug. 22.