USA – The Four-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signings of catcher Jason Belcher and center fielder Sean Smith.

Belcher had an All-Star 2008 season for Somerset, finishing with a .334 batting average, 100 hits, 21 doubles, nine home runs, and 53 RBI in 85 games played. He hit .462 with a home run and three RBI in six playoff games last season.

Belcher hit .304 with 34 hits, seven doubles, five home runs, and 19 RBI in 38 games for the Patriots in 2007.

He spent the 2006 season with the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League where he had a .286 batting average with four home runs and 31 RBI.

Belcher has two seasons of Double-A experience with the Milwaukee Brewers, Montreal Expos, and Washington Nationals. Belcher has a minor league career .291 batting average with 296 runs, 652 hits, 141 doubles, five triples, 42 home runs, and 321 RBI in 640 games played.

Smith finished the 2008 season with a .292 batting average, 78 runs scored, 105 hits, 22 doubles, four triples, 15 home runs, 51 RBI, and 28 stolen bases in 94 games for Somerset.

Smith has experience in the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox organizations. He spent the 2007 season at the Double-A level for the White Sox in Birmingham.

In 2005, Smith had a .281 batting average with 63 runs, 123 hits, 25 doubles, 14 home runs, and 62 RBI for Kannapolis. Smith has a minor league career .260 batting average with 342 runs scored, 573 hits, 121 doubles, 19 triples, 49 home runs, and 261 RBI in 631 games played.

The Four-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have placed tickets on sale for the upcoming 2009 Season. Opening Day will take place on Thursday, April 23rd with 7:05 pm game at Commerce Bank Ballpark. For more information, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Courtesy of the Somerset Patriots

Tags: Independent League