A tribute to the late Ron Mazzola, an institution in New Jersey high school sports, will take place at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, home of the New York Yankees Double A affiliate Somerset Patriots.

Mazzola will be honored in memoriam as part of Somerset’s Aug. 4 home game against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the Double A affiliate of Mazzola’s beloved New York Mets.

A generous benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has gifted 250 free tickets for the game with the explicit purpose of making them first available to Mazzola’s family and the Old Bridge High School Knights football and wrestling programs, both of which Mazzola was a huge part in myriad ways.

The free tickets were gifted in support of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation’s “Mazzola Monday” campaign, in which the nonprofit respectfully requested individuals consider performing an act of kindness on April 4 in Mazzola’s honor and as a reflection of his boundless generosity.

The high school’s athletics department will work with coaches, players and their families to distribute the free tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Anyone else from the Old Bridge school-community and beyond interested in attending the game, which The Marisa Tufaro Foundation is promoting at the anonymous benefactor’s request as “Ron Mazzola Knight,” can purchase tickets for $6 through a generous Somerset Patriots discount.

To purchase discounted upper box tickets in the “Ron Mazzola Knight” seating section, please visit bit.ly/RonMazzolaKnight and enter the password Ron.

Through their remarkable kindness, which reflects the benevolence of the man being honored, the Patriots have graciously offered to conduct a moment of silence for Mazzola before the first pitch at 7:05 p.m.

In addition, images of Mazzola will be streamed across the scoreboard in right field during a brief pregame ceremony while the public address announcer reads a special message. Mazzola’s family will be invited on the diamond for the occasion, provided COVID-19 protocols at that time permit field access.

A fireworks show will take place following the conclusion of the contest, which is part of Somerset’s six-game homestand with Binghamton.

Mazzola frequented minor league ballparks, including TD Bank Ballpark, and spearheaded annual trips to such venues with relatives and friends, which adds meaning to the occasion.

“The Voice of Old Bridge,” Mazzola was renown statewide for his involvement in wrestling and gymnastics, and throughout the Greater Middlesex Conference as a staunch supporter of all athletics programs.

The NJSIAA dedicated to Mazzola its recent boys state individual wrestling tournament championship, a three-day event 34,000 total spectators attended at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Other tributes honoring Mazzola, from youth leagues to high schools, will be conducted throughout the year.

A beloved Old Bridge High School Wall of Fame inductee, Mazzola died unexpectedly Feb. 21. He was 61 years old.

Mazzola was among the biggest supporters of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation and played an enormous role in helping the nonprofit fulfill its mission of assisting pediatric patients and other children in need throughout the greater Middlesex County area.

Spectators sitting in the “Ron Mazzola Knight” section are encouraged to wear purple to the Aug. 4 game, reflecting Old Bridge High School’s official color.