Lakewood BlueClaws Offer Family Oriented Baseball and More

Although this article is from 2006 - the fun is still the same. New article will be coming soon to celebrate the exciting new 2008 season.

It's all about the fans!

Baseball and Summer go hand in hand but if you can't make it out to the Major Leagues why not try a Lakewood BlueClaws game? The BlueClaws offer just as much action, fun, and excitement at a discounted price!

The BlueClaws are a South Atlantic Minor League team who are affiliated with the Phillies. The team is relatively new, going into its 6th season but have already made a name for itself by being within the top 25 teams of the League says Ben Wagner, Director of Media. With 176 teams in the league, the Claws are well ranked.

The Claws play their 70 home games at First Energy Park located off Route 528 in Lakewood. This 6,588 seat stadium offers the amenities of a professional field fully equipped with concession stands, a souvenir shop called the “Claw Cove,” an arcade, and a play area for children.

More FUN at the BlueClaws!

“Our primary goal is to provide fun, family entertainment,” says Wagner. This goal is accomplished by each of the 70 home games holding special promotions and give-aways funded by the Claw’s loyal sponsors.

Some of these theme nights include Scout night, Dentistry night, Firefighter night, Police night, Little League night, and many others. Every game is individual for certain groups, explains Wagner.

On every Monday night game, kids under 12 receive a free meal while on Fridays, a fireworks show is held after the game. For an older crowd, a happy hour goes on every Friday at the Coors Light Rat Trap located beyond Center Field. On the other hand, young children can enjoy blow up slides, jumping cages, climbing ladders, and an arcade.

Buster, the team’s mascot, joins in the fun by racing children in between innings and greeting fans around the stadium. Through out the season different mascots visit the stadium including the Phillie Phanatic who will visit on June 29th’s home game.

Little League Night with Buster

So far these theme nights have drawn 43 different crowds over 8,000 people. At any time during the games, there may be as many as 13,000 people in the stadium.

But Wagner says that the stadium does not normally sell out because of the vast majority of lawn seats and picnic-area seating that can always accommodate extra guests. The stadium is also handicapped assessable and offers many shaded areas for those hot days.

The BlueClaws, who started their season in April, will be playing until Labor Day. Many of their players are high school and college players, some of which may even go on to the Major League. So far the Claws have had 7 players go up to the Major League.

Getting autographs

This year star pitchers, Matt Maloney and Carlos Carrasco will represent the Claws in the League’s All Star Game on June 20 in Ohio. These two pitchers are ranked among the best in the League.

Tickets to the games are also relatively cheap compared to other sporting events and leagues. Children under 5 are admitted free and Seniors only pay $6 a ticket. For adults, tickets only cost $9 and parking in the Claws easily assessable lot only costs one dollar.

Tickets can be obtained on game day but special accommodations should be made in advance. Many other ticket packages are available by calling the ticket information line at (732)-901-7000 or visiting www.blueclaws.com.

by Stacey Smith
Travel Writer

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