Here is a link to the original story on the team's website.
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws baseball is for everyone! That continues to be the team’s message as the BlueClaws prepare for their second Pride Night, to be held on June 4th.
The BlueClaws held their first Pride Night, presented by Coca-Cola, in 2019 in front of a capacity, sold-out crowd at FirstEnergy Park. While their second Pride Night in 2020 was cancelled by the pandemic, the team remains undeterred and excited for Pride Night 2021.
“We consider ourselves to be a very open and inclusive organization and proud member of the community,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “We want to show the LGBT community that they are, and always will be, welcome at BlueClaws games!”
“It seems so simple–players should be judged on their athletic ability–not by who they love or how they identify. Unfortunately, the sports world can often be the deepest, darkest place in the closet. That’s why Garden State Equality is proud to partner with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on their annual Pride Night–an evening that sends a message of positivity to LGBTQ people and their families,” said Christian Fuscarino, executive director of Garden State Equality. You have to imagine how inspiring it is for all those young kids sitting in the stands—who might be gay or transgender—when they look up and see their home team saying: ‘It’s okay to be who you are. We support you.’ That’s life changing.”
Pride Night includes a BlueClaws Pride Night cap giveaway for the first 1,500 fans that will be handed out beginning when the gates open at 6:00 pm. First pitch against the Brooklyn Cyclones, affiliate of the New York Mets, is at 7:05 pm and fans are encouraged to stay for post-game fireworks.
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The BlueClaws will also be wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game.
Before the game, the BlueClaws will run a panel discussion with Christian Fuscarino of Garden State Equality and Joe Votruba of NJ 101.5 on the 1,857-square foot video board.
Aziza Callahan, a Garden State Equality member, will sing the National Anthem.
“BlueClaws games are about a fun night out with your friends, family, and colleagues. It’s about relaxing, laughing, and having a great time together. This notion has nothing to do with sexual orientation, race, gender, or economic status. It’s a universal notion of affordable, wholesome entertainment. It’s nice to be able to celebrate that with the community.”
Additional resources will be made available for fans at the game. Those interested in attending the night or partnering with the BlueClaws are encouraged to email [email protected].
Tickets are currently available in reserve seating pods, Lawn pods on the two outfield grass berms, concourse picnic tables, and concourse high-top tables around the ballpark. Tickets to Pride Night and all remaining BlueClaws home games can be purchased at BlueClaws.com.
-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-