Donald Trump Makes Appearance at Commerce Bank Ballpark

New Jersey Business, Nov 01, 2004

Donald Trump, one of America's most well-known millionaires, landed his helicopter in center field at Commerce Bank Ballpark last month and threw the ceremonial pitch for the Somerset Patriots vs. Pennsylvania Road Warriors game. Trump, who is currently starring in the popular NBC reality series "The Apprentice," was being honored at "Donald Trump Day" at the stadium.

It was Josh Kalafer, board of directors of the Somerset Patriots, who met Trump during a golf outing and asked him to Donald Trump (left) poses with NJBIA Trustee and owner of make an appearance at the ballpark, the Somerset Patriots Steve Kalafer after throwing the first which coincided with the weekend opening of Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster

"We are honored to have Mr. Trump as our guest," said Josh Kalafer "He is one of the biggest names in the business and has proven time and again that he will succeed in all he pursues."

Trump invested $55 million in the golf course (situated on the former estate of John DeLorean), which he purchased five years ago. He said the current membership, prior to opening, was 250. "I love the area," he said of Somerset County and the close distance between the stadium and his golf course.

Steve Kalafer, Josh's father and owner of the Somerset Patriots, Newark Bears and Bergen Cliffhawks (he is also a NJBIA trustee), presented Trump with an official Patriot's team jacket. "Trump is the definition of the American success story, continuously setting the standards of excellence in real estate, gaming, sports and entertainment," he said.