Bridgewater, NJ - The Somerset Patriots have announced the signing of catcher Mike Blanke for the 2018 season. He will be active for Tuesday night’s game against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Blanke enters his first season with the Patriots and fourth in the Atlantic League. He played two full seasons with the Long Island Ducks in 2015-16, and spent two months with the Blue Crabs last year. Blanke was an Atlantic League All-Star with the Ducks in 2015, and finished the season hitting .282 with 9 home runs and 43 RBI.

Originally a 14th Round selection in the 2010 MLB Draft, Blanke spent the first five seasons of his professional career with the Chicago White Sox organization. He showcased the ability to be a power-hitting catcher when he hit 10 home runs and recorded 50 RBI in 91 games with High-A Winston-Salem in 2012. Blanke’s talent behind the plate was evident as well during his time with the White Sox organization, especially when he threw out an impressive 41% of runners trying to steal in 2011.

Blanke converted to a pitcher in 2014 for a season, before converting back to a catcher prior to signing with the Long Island Ducks. He was an exciting prospect coming out of the University of Tampa, where he hit .377 in his final year with nine home runs and 65 RBI to go along with a 1.068 OPS.

The Canadian native began this season with the Ottawa Champions of the Can-Am Professional League, where he hit .242 but compiled a .425 on-base percentage over 22 games. Originally born in Granby, Quebec, Blanke becomes the second Canadian- born player on the 2018 roster, joining pitcher Dustin Molleken.

The 2018 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford is underway and features the team’s 20th Season at TD Bank Ballpark. For tickets, visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.

For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.