Subway Showdown: Inside The Double-A Subway Series

Written by Luke Cirianni

Published on August 15, 2024

In the final stretch of the 2024 Eastern League minor league baseball season, a pivotal series is finally here. The Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Mets AA affiliate are in Bridgewater, NJ, taking on the Somerset Patriots, for the Double-A Subway Series. The Rumble Ponies find themselves 2.5 games behind Somerset in the division standings, going into this series. Not only is it an important series for both teams, but the rivalry of the two New York baseball teams don’t make this matchup any less competitive.

“I think it’s fun when you’re playing teams that have a relationship with the big league club,” Somerset Patriots outfielder Spencer Jones said. “Those teams we really like to compete against, and the goal is to eventually play them in the Subway Series.” Spencer emphasized how enjoyable it is to play a rival at the minor league level, to dream about playing the actual Subway Series in the MLB. Earlier in the season, the Patriots split the series with the Rumble Ponies, winning three out of the six games on the road.

The Mets #9 prospect in their organization and Rumble Ponies catcher Kevin Parada had a slightly different outlook on this series. “Right now it’s just about winning. It’s obvious some of the division games mean a little more. When you’re playing the Yankees it means something to the city of New York, so it should mean something to you as a player. You just gotta go out there and compete and win.” His teammate Ryan Clifford, also values his team above himself. When asked about his personal development, that wasn’t his main focus. “I don’t feel like I’m near my potential yet. But for now, I need to do whatever it takes to help the team win, that’s where I’m at.”

As important as this series is for the Northeast standings, Somerset has some great news going into this series. The Yankees top pitching prospect Chase Hampton said he feels 100%, since his long rehab from his shoulder/UCL injury. He pitched 3.2 innings in his first outing for the Patriots this season, earning 4 Ks and no ERs. “I wish they would give me more pitches, so I can go out there and actually get five innings under my belt,” Chase Hampton said when asked about managing his pitch count with trying to win. “I just got to take my time with it, whatever they give me is what I get.”

Although Somerset got their top pitching prospect back, they lost a key player from the club due to a trade on July 30. Benjamin Cowles, batted .294 for the Patriots, and was a key player for the team this season, who was traded to the Chicago Cubs. “I don’t see anything different after Ben Cowles left. Players know they might have more chances to play, and guys are pushing each other and working harder everyday,” Patriots Manager Raul Dominguez said.

Rumble Ponies’ manager Reid Brignac was asked about the biggest concern when facing the Patriots, he said, “They like to create havoc on the base path, it’s something we’re aware of. I’m trying to minimize the bases and force them to gain ninety feet.”

This series means a lot to both clubs. It represents the future of the Subway Series, with young and promising prospects showcasing their talent in packed stadiums. At the end of the day it’s just a game, but the Double-A Subway Series offers the ultimate bragging rights to New York’s future stars.

 

Featured image by Luke Cirianni