Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on May 17th

April 21, 2014

All donors receive a ticket to a BlueClaws game

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center will partner on a Blood Drive on Saturday, May 17th that runs from 7 am – 2 pm.

The drive will take place in a blood mobile located outside the ballpark, and each donor will receive a pair of tickets to a future BlueClaws game.

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center encourage all fans to donate, as this is the time of the year when donations are in the greatest need.

To register online, click here. Donors can also register by calling 732-842-5750 ext. 225.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Baseball Academy Open Tryout on May 4th

April 15, 2014

BBA will run three teams this summer based at FirstEnergy Park

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will hold an open tryout on May 4th at FirstEnergy Park with registration starting at 9 am and the tryouts starting at 10 am.

Coming off an extremely successful Fall and Winter season with their two 17-under teams, the BBA Claws will be adding a freshman team (for players that are currently high school freshman). Last year’s roster included players from 11 high schools and three counties. In all, the organization will have three teams consisting of 40 players at both the 17u and 16u levels.

Anyone that is currently in 9th, 10th or 11th grade and interested in trying out must contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or email jagnello@blueclaws.com to register. There is a $20 tryout fee though any player that makes a team will have the money credited towards their registration.

The BBA Claws will begin practicing in June in order to be ready for the start of the Summer season. The team will participate in Perfect Game Super 25 Mid-Atlantic Regional qualifier, Diamond Nation 18u World Series, and BlueChip Prospects Showcase at Maple Zone Sports Institute, their own BBA College Showcase, weekly practices, and take part in a pre-game ceremony before a Lakewood BlueClaws game.

The schedule will also consist of games played against local teams at FirstEnergy Park and other local fields. The roster will be made up of Shore-area players and compete at both the 16u and 17u age level. The team will again be run by Joe Agnello, the director of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy, whose resume consists of nine years of coaching at the collegiate level, and for Major League Baseball player development in Southeast China.

BBA has also teamed up with Turn 2 Sports Consulting of Tinton Falls to help players and parents with the recruiting process. This exclusive partnership will educate, coach, and train families on how the recruiting details, NCAA academic and eligibility requirements, effective marketing strategies, and basic phone and interview preparation.

BlueClaws Baseball Academy is a year-long instruction-based program for youth players at the Jersey Shore. They run clinics througout the year and in 2013, ran two 17-under travel teams based out of FirstEnergy Park. It is believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team sponsored and hosted youth travel teams from their own facility.

With any questions about BlueClaws Baseball Academy, contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

“We Salute You” Wednesdays to Honor Military

March 24, 2014

Individuals or businesses can make tax-deductible donations

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws are pleased to bring back the Military Partners Program and We Salute You Wednesdays for the 2014 season. Through the program, companies can donate tickets to a series of Wednesday games for exclusive use by both veterans and active military members.

The five We Salute You Wednesday dates are April 16th, May 7th, June 11th, July 2nd, and August 27th.

At these We Salute You Wednesday games, the BlueClaws will have an extensive military presence including an assortment of the following:

Special Military-Themed Jerseys Worn By Players and Coaches
Rendition of God Bless America
Pre-Game Military Ceremonies (such as honoring a soldier returning from active duty or a re-enlistment ceremony)
Prize Raffles Exclusively for Military Personnel

Each participating donor (individual or business) will receive exposure through various BlueClaws outlets as well as the potential for tax deductbility.

There are six levels of donations: 10 tickets, 25 tickets, 50 tickets, 100 tickets, 250 tickets, and 500 tickets. Each donated ticket is $7 and the donation levels range from $70 to $3,500. Additional bonuses for participating donors, in the form of BlueClaws tickets and outings, are available depending on donation levels.

With any questions or for more information, please call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115 or email kfenstermacher@blueclaws.com.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all 2014 BlueClaws home games are currently available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Learn From the Pros at BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp

March 18, 2014

Three sessions available in 2014; registration now open

LAKEWOOD, NJ – Young players can learn the game from the pros at the annual BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps in 2014 where BlueClaws players serve as instructors to youngsters at FirstEnergy Park.

The BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp is open to players ages 7-12 and there are three sessions available:
Session I: Thursday, July 10th & Friday, July 11th.
Session II: Thursday, July 24th & Friday, July 25th.
Session III: Monday, August 4th, Tuesday, August 5th, Thursday, August 7th, & Friday, August 8th.

Camp each day runs from 9 am – 12 pm and includes lunch from 12 pm – 12:30 pm, an autograph session with BlueClaws players on the last day of camp, BlueClaws merchandise, and one ticket to the BlueClaws game on Wednesday, August 27th.

The camp will cover all aspects of the game, with emphasis on hitting, base running, fielding, throwing, pitching, and position work. The objective of the camp is to instill the fundamentals of baseball, promote good sportsmanship, and create an enjoyable learning atmosphere for all.

Registration is now open and can be made by calling Kevin Lodge at 732-901-7000 ext 146 or by returning this registration form. Sessions I and II are $100 while Session III is $175.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle

March 1, 2014

Four ticket holders won quarter-share of BlueClaws Suite

UPDATED April 7th – The four winners of the raffle were Lindstrom, Diessner & Carr PC, Galvin Law Firm, Keith Savage, and CIMS Gas. With any questions or to book a future Suite outing, call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115.

—

(original press release below)

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws have instituted a one-of-a-kind charity raffle where four winners will each receive a quarter-share of a 2014 BlueClaws Luxury Suite, giving each winner access to a BlueClaws Luxury Suite for 17 games this year.

There will be just 300 tickets sold for the raffle at $100 each and four winners will be drawn on Thursday, April 3rd at 10 am. Those that donate for multiple raffle tickets can win multiple shares of a Luxury Suite. Dates for each quarter-share are pre-determined and spread throughout the season.

Each raffle ticket purchase benefits BlueClaws Charities, a 501c3 organization and the official non-profit organization of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

“BlueClaws Charities does great work throughout the year. We are always looking for unique ways to raise money, and this is a great concept,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “It’s perfect for area businesses or individuals who with a small investment can win a tremendous prize.”

Four winners will each win a quarter-share of a BlueClaws Luxury Suite, which comes with 20 tickets to 17 different games in a private suite on the second level of FirstEnergy Park. Each Luxury Suite includes indoor/outdoor seating, wait service, cable television, and access to the Upstairs Club (food is not included).

To purchase one of just 300 available raffle tickets, call Kevin Fenstermacher at 732-901-7000 ext 115. For additional information on BlueClaws Charities, contact Jim DeAngelis at 732-901-7000 ext 114.

BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partner organizations each year and raises money through jersey auctions, unique raffles and auctions, and events like the Phillies Winter Banquet, Bowling With BlueClaws, and ALS Celebrity Waiter Event. Additional organizations partner with BlueClaws Charities to raise money through a fundraiser outing, and hundreds of others receive donations of BlueClaws tickets or auction items throughout the year.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence and open the 2014 season on Thursday, April 10th. For a full schedule and list of promitons, visit BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Pitch In; Green Sustainability for Veterans

February 18, 2014

Team to sponsor solar array on roof of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

Lakewood, NJ – The Lakewood BlueClaws, a minor league baseball team that plays at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood, has recently become the nation’s first sports team to join SolarCure’s “Adopt-a-Solar Panel” Program.

As part of the program, they sponsor a solar panel that will be installed as part of a complete solar array on the roof of a local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post thus truly making a lasting difference in the lives of Veterans. This solar panel installation will provide extra income through SRECs and generate free and clean energy for at least 25 years. The reduced or eliminated electricity bills will allow the VFW to allocate more funds towards their organization’s mission and re-invested back to Veterans.

This innovative program produces multiple beneficiaries: the environment, our economy, and military veterans.

The “Adopt-a-Solar-Panel” Program
Program participants demonstrate their patriotism and sustainability regarding economic and environmental issues by sponsoring part of a solar panel installation destined for a veteran based nonprofit organization.

The “Adopt-a-Solar-Panel” program reduces U.S. carbon emissions through the use of renewable solar energy by providing Veteran nonprofits with 100% free Solar Panel installations sponsored by private and public companies.

In addition to the bonus that non-profits can generate additional income through SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits), each solar installation also helps create new jobs for civilians and veterans in our country.

When asked what they found most interesting about the Adopt-a-Solar Panel program, Brandon Marano, BlueClaws General Manager said “We’re able to help the environment and the veterans at the same time with this great program. It was a unique situation for us and one that we are excited to be a part of.”

BlueClaws & The Military
The BlueClaws have made a choice to support America’s veteran organizations as a way of giving back to those that have served. In addition to their solar panel sponsorship, which is consistent with their dedicated support of military veterans, the BlueClaws also host a “Military Partners Program” and “We Salute You Wednesdays” through which the military is honored at Wednesday home games and companies donate tickets to local active and retired military members.

The BlueClaws have also partnered with OceanFirst Foundation on Home Runs For Heroes, and every time the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, a donation is made to a local military-based non-profit. Over $100,000 has been raised since 2009.

Other military initiatives include military discounts, appreciation nights that collect supplies and cell phones for our active troops, special nights dedicated to Veteran non-profits such as the Disabled American Veterans, VFW, and Joint-Base nights.

The BlueClaws are a member of 18 local Chambers of Commerce and staff members sit on boards of directors or event committees for over 75 different Chambers and non-profit organizations.

About SolarCure
SolarCure specializes in helping clients combine powerful messaging and promotion with legitimate, sustainable, renewable green energy practices – all while helping veterans. For more information on career opportunities or how your company can grow its business while helping veterans and the environment, please visit www.solarcure.us or email your questions to adopt@solarcure.us

– SolarCure / BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Baseball Academy to Host Holiday Clinics

November 18, 2013

December 26th – 28th at FirstEnergy Park

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host two holiday camps, each for players ages 8-13 running from Thursday, December 26th through Saturday, December 28th at FirstEnergy Park.

The Holiday Hitting Camp runs from 9 am – 10:30 am each day. This three-day program is designed to teach players the essential techniques and philosophies of hitting. Each day, players will work on pre-pitch techniques, stride, balance, grip, bat path, and hitting zones among other aspects of hitting. There will also be games to make this a fun, informative environment.

The Holiday Pitching Camp runs from 11 am – 12 pm each day. This three-day progressive program is designed to teach players the proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season. Each session will build on the previous in order to give the players a multitude of drills that they can use at home throughout the winter months to be ready to pitch when the season starts.

All camps are kept to a maximum of 16 players to allow for an intimate setting.

Registration for the Hitting Camp is $149 and registration for the Pitching camp is $129. Those that register for both can do so for $235, savings of 15%. To sign up, call Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 ext 209 or sign up on line by clicking here.

Camps will be run by Agnello, BlueClaws Baseball Academy Executive Director, and the staff of the BlueClaws Baseball Academy Claws, the 17-under travel team. Agnello, who played Division 1 baseball, has experience coaching for MLB Player Development at the international level and has eight years of collegiate coaching experience at the Division I, Division III, and Junior College levels.

About BlueClaws Baseball Academy: BlueClaws Baseball Academy provides elite baseball instruction to youth players throughout the year at FirstEnergy Park and is fully supported by the Lakewood BlueClaws, single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. This fall, the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Baseball Academy ran two 17-under teams, believed to be the first time that a Minor League Baseball team had their own youth teams playing home games in the Minor League stadium. 33 players from Monmouth, Ocean, and Burlington Counties participated.

– BlueClaws Baseball Academy –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

12/14: Breakfast With Buster Food/Toy Drive

November 12, 2013

14th annual event benefits the Salvation Army of Ocean County

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host their 14th annual Breakfast With Buster Holiday Food & Toy Drive on Saturday, December 14th from 9 am – 11 am at FirstEnergy Park. The team will collect unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Buster and his holiday friend, Santa Claus, will be at the park to greet fans who donate.

Bagels will be provided by Manhattan Bagel of Brick while the BlueClaws will provide coffee for fans. The free event will be held in the Upstairs Club on the Luxury Suite level.

“This has been one of our best events for the last 13 years,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We look forward to another successful holiday food and toy drive benefiting those less fortunate in our area.”

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Ticket packages and group outings for the 2014 season are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

September 14, 2013

BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

Other honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

“This is very special for the BlueClaws and especially for BlueClaws Charities,” said DeAngelis, who has been with the BlueClaws since their 2001 inception. “We work very hard with a wide variety of non-profit organizations and of course this year, after the storm, was especially tough on everyone.”

BlueClaws Charities raised thousands of dollars for those impacted by Superstorm Sandy through t-shirt sales, Restore the Shore Fridays, a BlueClaws Restore the Shore jersey auction, and private donations. The organization then collected grant applications and was able to hand out over $50,000 in grants to help area families.

Meanwhile, BlueClaws Charities works with over 40 Community Partners, area non-profit organizations who raise money through the BlueClaws. These organizations also benefit through various BlueClaws Charities fundraising events throughout the year like jersey auctions, “Bowling With the BlueClaws,” the “BlueClaws Charities Nine and Dine” golf outing, and more.

This article originally appeared on the BlueClaws’ website. Click here to see the original article.

BlueClaws Charities Named “Citizen of the Year”

September 9, 2013

Will receive award from Lakewood Chamber of Commerce on October 24th

LAKEWOOD, NJ – BlueClaws Charities, the official non-profit foundation of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and will be presented the award at the Chamber’s 40th annual Citizen of the Year Awards Reception at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Lakewood on Thursday, October 24th.

Other honorees that night include: Ben Heinemann of BP Graphics and Printing, Leslie Terjesen of the Ocean County Health Department, and Terry Moncrief of Withum, Smith & Brown, PC.

BlueClaws Charities Executive Director Jim DeAngelis will accept the award on behalf of the BlueClaws and BlueClaws Charities.

Fans that are interested in attending the reception are able to do so through ordering a ticket to the event. The reception, which runs from 5:30 to 8:30, includes an open-bar passed hors d’oeuvres, hot and cold stations, and dessert. Please click here to download an order form.

– BlueClaws Charities –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

August 23: Fireworks, School Supply Drive

August 13, 2013

To benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws will host a School Supply Drive at their game on Friday, August 23rd to benefit the Salvation Army of Ocean County.

Fans are encouraged to drop off items at the New Jersey Natural Gas Information Booth during the game, which begins at 7:05 pm.

Anyone that donates will receive a voucher for two tickets to one of the four Labor Day weekend BlueClaws home games – August 30th – September 2nd (promotions here).

The August 23rd game includes post-game fireworks thanks to Toyota/Scion World of Lakewood. For tickets, please call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

AT&T Donates to Restore the Shore Efforts

July 17, 2013

Presentation made before BlueClaws game on July 12th

LAKEWOOD, NJ – AT&T presented BlueClaws Charities with a check for $10,000 before their game on Friday, July 12th for their Restore The Shore relief efforts.

The BlueClaws and AT&T partnered this year on a Score for the Shore program through which AT&T made a $30 donation to BlueClaws Charities Sandy relief efforts every time the BlueClaws scored a run in the first half of the season.

While the BlueClaws scored 267 runs in the first half for a total of $8,010, AT&T Sales Director Bob Woodier presented BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano and Community Relations Director Jim DeAngelis with a check for $10,000.

“AT&T is proud to support BlueClaws Charities relief for victims of Sandy in New Jersey,” said Tom DeVito, Vice President and General Manager, AT&T New Jersey/New York. “So many of our employees, family, and friends are still struggling from the after-effects of the super storm and we urge the public to pitch in and do what they can as those communities re-build their homes and businesses.”

The BlueClaws thank AT&T for their support of BlueClaws Charities Restore The Shore relief efforts.

This ceremony was originally scheduled for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game but was re-scheduled after a 2 hour and 46 minute rain delay.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Medication Drop-Off at July 30th BlueClaws Game

July 16, 2013

Ocean County Health Department and DART Coalition encourage residents to drop-off un-needed medications

LAKEWOOD, NJ – FirstEnergy Park will serve as a drop-off point for un-needed medications at the BlueClaws game on Tuesday, July 30th.

The Ocean County Health Department and the DART Coalition of the Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention, encourage residents to safely discard their unused, unwanted or expired medications by bringing them to the July 30th BlueClaws game.

There will be drop-off locations both outside and inside the ballpark with police officers to assist people dropping off unused and expired drugs from 5 pm until 8:30 pm.

First pitch that night is at 7:05 and Seniors Eat Free thanks to TD Bank.

For tickets to the game, please call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Phanatic, Troop Supply Drive on June 27th

June 18, 2013

First of just two visits this year by Phanatic

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws welcome the Phillie Phanatic to FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, June 27^th, and at the game, they will hold their annual Troop Supply and Care Package Drive.

The Phanatic, the world’s most famous mascot, makes the first of two trips to the ballpark this summer and between innings, he will entertain fans like only he can. The Phanatic’s appearance is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

Tickets – For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJNG Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last eight years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The Troop Supply and Care Package Drive takes place on Military Appreciation Night, where military groups will take in the game and there will be various pre-game ceremonies honoring military members.

For more in Military Appreciation Night, call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

Thirsty Thursday – This is also a 66MVP Thirsty Thursday, with dollar beer and soda plus 50-cent wings in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Participating in MiLB’s 15 for 15 Initiative

June 4, 2013

LAKEWOOD, NJ – The BlueClaws are pleased to be one of 51 Minor League Baseball clubs across the country participating in MiLB Charities “15 for 15” initiative to raise money for those affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma.

15% of every order received via the Claws Cove online team store over a 15-day period ending June 17^th will be donated to Minor League Baseball Charities as part of a donation that entity will make to the Oklahoma City Red Cross.

“After Superstorm Sandy came through the Jersey Shore, we received ample support from our fellow Minor League Baseball teams from all across the country,” said BlueClaws General Manager Brandon Marano. “We are honored to help through this MiLB fundraiser.”

The donation occurs on online orders only and applies to any item in the BlueClaws official online team store, accessible at http://blueclaws.milbstore.com.

“Our fans have traditionally been extremely supportive over all of our non-profit initiatives and we look forward to their support here in raising money for those affected by the devastating tornadoes,” said Marano.

The BlueClaws official online team store includes various apparel like hats, shirts, jerseys and novelties. Limited All-Star Game apparel is also available.

– BlueClaws –

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.