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Sayreville and Monroe prepare to compete in a high school championship game at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater. The stadium, home of the Somerset Patriots, was named best ballpark in its class by Baseball Digest. (Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

BRIDGEWATER -- TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, home of the Somerset Patriots, has been named "The Best Independent Minor League Ballpark" in North America.

Ballpark Digest made that announcement on Wednesday.

TD Bank Ballpark, opened in 1999, expects to welcome its 6 millionth fan in August. It won the voting over CHS Field, the new $64 million home of the St. Paul Saints, which is part-owned by famed actor and comedian Bill Murray.

The 6,100-seat ballpark is owned by Somerset County and managed by the Somerset Patriots, who have consistently drawn over 5,300 fans per game and 370,000 fans per season since 1999 as they play in the independent Atlantic League.

"We may be locally family owned, but our brand is nationally known," commented Steve Kalafer, owner and founding chairman of the Somerset Patriots.

"These results reinforce what our fans, marketing partners, and our entire community knows - that TD Bank Ballpark is a very special place for families, businesses, organizations, and friends to enjoy quality time together," said Kalafer, a founding member of the board of directors of the Atlantic League.

Ballpark Digest's "Best Of The Ballparks" competition put minor league venues against each other in their given classifications.

"We would especially like to thank the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders for having the vision to build our ballpark in Bridgewater at no taxpayer expense, and their continued partnership to provide affordable family and community entertainment to Central New Jersey residents," said Patrick McVerry, president and general manager of the Patriots.

Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.