Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, helped Make-A-Wish New Jersey grant the wish of 14-year-old baseball fan Evan Dyme to attend the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in Seattle.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to the summer to go to the All-Star Game. It’s going to be awesome,” Dyme said after making his wish, which came to him while watching the 2021 All-Star Game Home Run Derby.

Dyme, of North Caldwell, has been courageous in battling Hodgkin lymphoma. He was at the Thursday, May 4 Patriots game against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (New York Mets) to accept a donation from The Learning Experience of Monmouth Junction and Somerset for Make-A-Wish New Jersey to help grant more wishes for kids like himself.

During the pre-game ceremonies, Dyme was down on the field when he was surprised by a video message from Yankees icon and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Torre telling him his wish has been granted.

“It was really nice having Joe Torre tell me that my wish was being granted,” Dyme added.

In addition to granting the wish, Torre told Dyme in the video to, “Go out there to Seattle, have yourself a ball, and root for your favorite Yankees players. As far as I’m concerned, besides having a blast, I wish you continued happiness and good health.”

Patriots players took a photo with Dyme on the field and congratulated him on his wish being granted. He also threw out a ceremonial first pitch as the newest Wish Kid and enjoyed the game with his family as guests of the Kalafer family in their suite.

About Make-A-Wish New Jersey

Make-A-Wish New Jersey creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. In the fight against a critical illness, a wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey.  A wish helps kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life. Make-A-Wish New Jersey was founded in 1983. Serving children in every municipality in the Garden State, Make-A-Wish New Jersey has granted nearly 12,000 wishes since its inception. For more information about Make-A-Wish New Jersey, call 800-252-WISH or visit nj.wish.org and discover how you can help transform lives, one wish at a time.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots are the reigning Eastern League Champions and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball. To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.