Somerset Patriots Welcome Back C/ INF David Vidal

Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signing of catcher/ infielder David Vidal.

Vidal returns to Somerset for his second year with the Patriots. Last season, he hit .259 with 12 home runs and a team-leading 63 RBI. Vidal also led the team in games played (124), at-bats (471) and hits (122) during the regular season.

The San Juan, Puerto Rico native enjoyed success during the Somerset Patriots’ postseason championship run as well, batting .296 with a home run, seven RBI and five runs scored, including the game-winning run against Southern Maryland in Game Four of the Atlantic League Championship Series.

“I am real happy to be coming back to Somerset again for the chance to win back-to-back championships,” said Vidal. “I’m excited about playing catcher more this season and helping the team win any way that I can.”

Vidal split time playing third base, first base and catcher with the Somerset Patriots in 2015, recording a combined .979 fielding percentage.

Prior to joining Somerset, Vidal spent five seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organization, reaching as high as Double-A Pensacola in 2012 and 2013.

In 2011, Vidal hit .280 with 20 home runs, 85 RBI and a league-leading 37 doubles with Single-A Dayton. He followed up that campaign in 2012 with 18 home runs and 60 RBI spread across two levels, including 11 homers with Pensacola.

”Vidal quickly became one of our leaders last year. He brings so much value because he is so talented at many positions,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “He loves the pressure situations and we continue to see him rise up in those opportunities. Vidal is also great around the clubhouse. We are fortunate to have him back as a Patriot this season.”

The former 2010 eighth-round draft pick by the Reds has 64 home runs, 303 RBI and 135 doubles in his minor league career.

The Somerset Patriots won their Atlantic League leading sixth championship during the 2015 season. The schedule for 2016 has been released and can be viewed at www.somersetpatriots.com. For more information about the 2016 season, stop by TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.