Philadelphia Phillies

Wells Fargo Donates $1,000 to Baseballtown Charities

November 3, 2014

Donation made possible through Community Connections Giving Program

Baseballtown Charities would like to thank Wells Fargo’s Community Connections Giving Program for their donation of $1,000.

Through the program, Wells Fargo’s retail banking stores explore the needs of their local communities and select a nonprofit organization to receive a grant. This year, Wells Fargo will award close to $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations and schools across Pennsylvania.

The grants are part of the company’s broader support of its communities. In 2013, Wells Fargo invested more than $14 million in nonprofit organizations and schools and team members volunteered more than 46,000 hours throughout Pennsylvania.

Baseballtown Charities, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) entity, was founded in 2002 in association with the Reading Fightin Phils in order to keep baseball alive in Reading through charitable donations to underprivileged youth who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to play baseball. The organization also pays tribute to Reading’s rich baseball history.

Since its inception in 2002, the Baseballtown trademark has played a necessary part in the baseball community of Berks County. Under the Baseballtown namesake, FirstEnergy Stadium has played host to the High School All-Star Game and the Olivet’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club Championship. Each year, the organization crowns the King or Queen of Baseballtown to honor the past by recognizing that individual’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball/softball.

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment the organization has overtaken was the construction of Gordon Hoodak Stadium at Lauer’s Park in 2006. Through contributions exceeding $900,000, the youth ballpark was built in a neighborhood that is quickly returning to its glory days. It sits on the grounds of Lauer’s Park Elementary School, named for the former stadium where Babe Ruth and Shoeless Joe Jackson both played. The original housed several professional teams and hosted barnstorming tours from 1907-1941. Reading’s own baseball legend, the late “Broadway” Charlie Wagner, former Red Sox pitcher and roommate Ted Williams, began his career there.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws Enhance Fundraising Program

October 16, 2014

The Lakewood BlueClaws have upgraded their fundraising program, adding a new option that will enable additional local organizations to raise money through fun nights at FirstEnergy Park.

Last year, over 150 organizations partnered with the BlueClaws to raise over $120,000 and with this new program, detailed below, that number should grow significantly.

Groups that have particiapted in the BlueClaws Fundraising Program in years past include youth sports teams and leagues, churches, Rotarys, Elks clubs, Kiwanis groups, scout troops, schools, non-profit organizations, and many others.

Fundraiser FlexBooks: For the first time this year, the BlueClaws will offer fundraising tickets in a smaller FlexBook, each with five undated vouchers valid at any 2015 BlueClaws home game. Each organization can order a minimum of 25 booklets for $35 each and re-sell them for $55 each, earning $20 per booklet and a minimum of $500.

“Several groups have asked us for a more adaptable fundraising option and we think our new FlexBooks fit the bill,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service. “It’s a lot easier than selling candy or washing cars and it’s a quick and easy way to raise money for your organization.”

The BlueClaws original fundraising program remains intact, where organizations can reserve a minimum of 250 tickets for $7 each and re-sell them for $11, raising a minimum of $1,000. This standard fundraising program also enables partners to raise additional funds through two exclusive benefits:

Fundraising partners can volunteer in a BlueClaws concession stand, earning $750 for 20 volunteers. Concession stand nights are subject to availibility.
Fundraising partners receive 50-cents back to their organization for each ticket that gets used at their BlueClaws game.
These two benefits are only available to partners that utilize the BlueClaws standard fundraising program and is not open to those that partner through fundraiser FlexBooks.

For more information or to become a BlueClaws fundraising partner, please call 732-901-7000 option 3.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 14 years of existence and recently eclipsed the 6-million fan plateau.

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

Cozens Among Phillies “Step-Up” Service Honorees

October 1, 2014

Phillies minor leaguers were presented with the Step-Up Community Service Award by Phillies Assistant General Manager Benny Looper and Director of Baseball Administration Susan Ingersoll Papaneri. (Miles Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies)

Former BlueClaws players were honored before a weekend Phillies game as part of the organization’s Step-Up Community Service Program.

The award is given to players in the Phillies Minor League system who have shown leadership through community service. The awards will be presented by Benny Looper, Assistant GM, Player Personnel and Susan Ingersoll Papaneri, Director, Baseball Administration.

OF Dylan Cozens was recognized from the BlueClaws roster this year. Among his service included the Bowling With the BlueClaws charity fundraising event, volunteering at the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps, and more.

Other honorees included Lehigh Valley RHP Tyler Knigge (2011 BlueClaw), Reading IF Carlos Alonso (2011 BlueClaw), Clearwater 1B Art Charles (2013 BlueClaw) and LHP Ethan Stewart (2012 BlueClaw) and Williamsport RHP Mitch Guellar.

Also pictured is Phillies pitcher David Buchanan (2011 BlueClaw) who did a significant amount of charity volunteer work with Lehigh Valley and the Phillies after his call-up.

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

HR for Heroes Raises $34,000 In 2014

September 17, 2014

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

OceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

In six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization	Inning	Home Runs	Total
Army Emergency Relief	First	4	$4,000
Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council	Second	6	$6,000
ARMS	Third	1	$1,000
Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund	Fourth	2	$2,000
American Red Cross	Fifth	1	$1,000
Navy Marine Corp Relief Society	Sixth	5	$5,000
Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME!	Seventh	6	$6,000
Vetwork	Eighth	0	$1,000
Catholic Charities	Ninth/Extra	2	$2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

For more information on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

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

Fightin For Cerebral Palsy Ready to Rumble on Sept. 20

August 27, 2014

Night of boxing from King’s Promotions set for Saturday, September 20th at 6:00 p.m.

Baseballtown will be getting ready to rumble on Saturday, September 20th when FirstEnergy Stadium hosts Fightin For Cerebral Palsy, a boxing event to benefit Cerebral Palsy. The night will feature exciting boxing matches from King’s Promotions. Proceeds from the event benefit Cerebral Palsy thanks to King’s Promotions.

Bell time for the event is at 6:00 p.m. with Tompkins VIST Bank Gates opening at 5:00 p.m.

Ringside tickets cost $25 while general admission is just $15. Tickets are available by calling King’s Boxing at 610-587-5950.

King’s Gym opened in Reading in 1995 as a way to get youngsters off the streets and involved in more positive activities. The name “KING” stands for “Kids In Need of Guidance and gym owner Marshall Kauffman has spent years using the sport of boxing as a way for both his professional and amateur boxers to feel good about themselves through confidence and pride.

KING’s Promotions was formed in 1994 and has since put on many successful amateur and professional fight cards in the mid-Atlantic region. In 2005, local businessman Jeff Nigrelli joined Marshall as a partner in KING’s Promotions. They have since put on several sold-out fight cards at the Riveredge Complex in Reading and have recently expanded to boxing events at the spacious and modern Sovereign Center in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania.

Fans can get more ticket information by visiting Fightins.com, calling the Fightin Phils Ticket Office at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office in person at FirstEnergy Stadium. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter at @ReadingFightins and like them on Facebook via www.facebook.com/fightins.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Little League State Champs to Be Honored Sunday

August 18, 2014

Toms River Little League team recognized in ceremony before the game

The Toms River Little League team that won the New Jersey State Little League Championship will be honored at FirstEnergy Park in a pre-game ceremony on Sunday prior to the BlueClaws 5:05 pm game against Greensboro.

The Toms River Little Leaguers won the New Jersey State Championship at the Berkeley Little League complex on July 28th, defeating Ocean City in the championship game. They then went to the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Bristol, Connecticut, where they went 4-0 in pool play before falling in the semi-finals to Newark, Delaware.

“These young players captured the attention of everyone at the Jersey Shore while they made their magical run,” said BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. “We are honored to bring them out on Sunday and give them the recognition that they deserve.”

In addition to the ceremony on Sunday, the BlueClaws could reach the 6-million fan plateau at this game. They return home on Friday night and are within 12,245 fans of the milestone.

At the game on Sunday, the first 2,000 fans 17 & under will receive a BlueClaws Back-to-School Folder. Plus, Kids Eat Free thanks to ShopRite and Kids Run the Bases after the game thanks to Brick Plaza. Adults can enjoy $2 Corona throughout the game as well.

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.

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

Red Cross Blood Drive at FirstEnergy Stadium

August 10, 2014

Presenting Donors Receive Four Tickets to a Fightins Game

The Reading Fightin Phils and the American Red Cross invite you to donate blood In Memory of Frank Mascaro on Monday, August 11th, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

You can help J.P. Mascaro & Sons reach their goal of 1,000 pints of blood for the Red Cross by August 2014.

All presenting donors receive four tickets to Reading Fightin’ Phils game on August 16th.

The American Red Cross is facing a looming blood shortage leading to an urgent need for donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give. Since May, donations through the Red Cross are down approximately 8 percent, resulting in about 80,000 fewer donations than expected. The number of donors continues to decline and the shortfall is significant enough that the Red Cross could experience an emergency situation in the coming weeks.

“Many people say they never fully understood the importance of donating blood until they or someone they love needed it,” said Colin Riccobon, External Communications Manager of the Red Cross Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services Region. “Summer months are always a challenging time for blood collections, and there are patients depending on donors every day to give them hope.”

WHAT: Blood Drive

WHEN: Monday, August 11th, 10:00am to 3:00pm

WHERE: FirstEnergy Stadium
1900 Centre Avenue
Reading, PA 19612

WHO: Reading Fightin Phils

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Reading Fightin Phils. Click here to view the original story.

Cutters Dominican Dinner to Benefit A.C.E.S.

July 16, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters have teamed up with Advancing Communities by Educating and Serving (A.C.E.S.) North America in announcing the 2nd Annual Dominican Plate – An Evening of Dominican Dining and Entertainment with the Cutters.

The event will be held on Tuesday, August 5 in the Grand Ballroom of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. Doors open at 5:30pm with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar followed by a Dominican-style dinner served at 6:30pm.

The buffet dinner of traditional Dominican fare will be served by members of the Williamsport Crosscutters who hail from the Dominican Republic, along with some of their teammates.

Proceeds from the event will benefit A.C.E.S. North America, an organization working to create sustainable development projects in the Dominican Republic. The charity, founded in Williamsport in 2005, uses all-volunteer personnel for its operations.

A.C.E.S. Founder Linell Stabler stated, “Teaming up with the Crosscutters for this Dominican fundraiser is a fun match for our mission of helping people in the Dominican Republic.”

In addition, the night will feature live musical entertainment, Chinese and live auctions of sports memorabilia and other items plus a balloon bust wine raffle. Last year’s event raised almost $3,000 for the charity

“This event was such a success last year and it was a fun night for our players as well. This is a tremendous opportunity to help out a worthy charity that does outstanding work in an area of the world many of our players call home,” said Gabe Sinicropi the team’s Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations.

The Genetti has again agreed to donate kitchen services and the Grand Ballroom for this charity event.

Advance tickets for The Dominican Plate are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at the Cutters Sawmill Team Store at Susquehanna Bank Park or at the Genetti Hotel. Tickets are also available by phone at (570) 326-3389.

Business sponsorships are available for the event by calling (570) 326-3389. For more information on A.C.E.S., visit www.acesnorthamerica.org.

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

Baseball Academy – Pitcher/Catcher Camp in August

July 16, 2014

For pitchers and catchers ages 8-14

BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host a Pitcher/Catcher Baseball Summer Camp at FirstEnergy Park on August 12th and 13th. The event will run from 7 pm – 8:30 pm each day.

This two-day program is designed to teach players ages 8-14 how to build their individual skills as a pitcher or catcher.

Pitchers will learn proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season, along with information on proper grips for fastball and off-speed pitches. This is a drill intensive camp that will give players a multitude of new ways to practice at home.

Catchers will learn in order of responsibilities of being a catcher (receiving, blocking, throwing, tag plays, bunts and pop-ups) while learning the most specialized position on the field. Catchers camp has by far been our most popular camp. Camp will take place under the lights at FirstEnergy Park.

Each camper will receive 2 days of advanced instruction, use of the Lakewood BlueClaws facilities at FirstEnergy Park, and a FREE 1-on-1 Lesson*

For more information about our programs visit our website at Blueclawsbaseballacademy.com, check us out on FACEBOOK at BlueClawsBaseballAcademy, or follow us on Twitter @BBA_Claws.

Registration is $110. To sign up, please contact Joe Agnello at 732-901-7000 x209 or jagnello@blueclaws.com.

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

Heroes & Legends Softball Game in Lakewood October 10th

July 9, 2014

Jay Johnston, Jim Dowd, Stephen Baker, Bruce Harper among participants; event benefits military-based non-profit organization

The BlueClaws will host a Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, October 10th.

Heroes and Legends is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs while assisting a wide network of military-based charities.

Among the participating former athletes:
Jay Johnstone – Former Phillie, Dodger & Yankee and two-time World Series Champion
John “The Count” Montefusco– Former SF Giant & NY Yankee who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1975 and threw a no-hitter in 1976
Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” – Former NY Giant Super Bowl XXV Champ
Jim Dowd – Former NJ Devil and 1995 Stanley Cup Champion
Bruce Harper – Former NY Jet running back
Keith Elias – Former Princeton and NY Giant running back
Jeff Frazier – Former Detroit Tiger and Toms River Little League Hero
Johnny Petraglia – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame
Parker Bohn – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame

Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds, and a member of the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series Championship team, and Frankie Edgar, Toms River native and former UFC Champion, will also make appearances at the event.

TICKETS: Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, $5 for children (kids under 5 are free), and $5 for enlisted or active military. Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

There will be a Home Run Derby beginning at 5:30 pm and the softball game itself will begin at 7:00 pm.

The program is dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs and charities honoring our Heroes past and present.

The Heroes Team is The Purple Heart Heroes All Star Team all of whom have been awarded the Purple Heart for their meritorious service.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and other disabled to enhance health, literacy, life experience, and self esteem.

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.

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

BlueClaws, CJBC Blood Drive on July 26th

July 6, 2014

Annual Springsteen Appreciation Night follows

The BlueClaws and Central Jersey Blood Center will partner on a Blood Drive on Saturday, July 26th that runs from 7 am – 2 pm.

The drive will take place in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center, 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.

July 26th is also BruceClaws Night, presented by Central Jersey Blood Center. It’s the BlueClaws annual tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Only Springsteen music will play throughout the night. Plus there will be a special jersey auction with all proceeds benefiting BlueClaws Charities, special Springsteen-themed promotions, and more.

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

BlueClaws, United Way Book Drive on Friday

July 5, 2014

Donors will receive a ticket to a BlueClaws Saturday game in August

United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up for a book drive to benefit area children. Fans attending the game on July 11^th at 7:05pm are asked to bring a NEW book(s) appropriate for kids in grades K-3 to the United Way table inside the stadium. For each book donated, they will receive a voucher for a Saturday BlueClaws home game in August. Families can receive up to 4 ticket vouchers.

About The Game: The BlueClaws game on Friday night, July 11th begins at 7:05 pm with the gates opening at 6:00 pm. After the game, there will be a fireworks spectacular thanks to Philadelphia Water Ice. For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

In Monmouth County, the books will be distributed through the Early Grade Reading Initiative. This effort provides high quality holistic learning opportunities in the summer. When children are not exposed to sufficient reading or enrichment experiences throughout the summer, it’s easy to fall behind academically creating a “Summer Slide” – and it’s very difficult to catch up. But with the right opportunities, including the ability to learn during the summer, all children can flourish.

These summer programs are designed to focus not only on learning, literacy and reading, but also additional enrichment activities, such as arts, music, physical activity and nature/outside play. Children participating in the program will receive books courtesy of community drives, like the one being held at the BlueClaws.

When children are out of school for the summer they often lose access to books. United Way of Ocean County is collecting books to provide mini home libraries to children of several of our partner agencies. Our goal is to inspire young people to remain engaged in learning while developing their communication skills and imaginations.

For more information about summer early grade reading grants, please contact United Way of Monmouth County at 732-938-5988 or info@uwmonmouth.org. To learn more about the United Way or its Community Impact agenda, please visit uwmonmouth.org.

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

Cutters Kids Camp to be Held August 2nd

July 2, 2014

The Williamsport Crosscutters will be holding their annual Cutters Kids Camp on Saturday, August 2 from 9am-1pm at Susquehanna Bank Park. The camp, presented by Susquehanna Bank, is open to any child between the ages of 7 and 14.

The camp will include; specialized baseball instruction from Cutters Manager Shawn Williams, and coaches Aaron Fultz and Eddie Dennis, along with selected Cutters players.

All campers will receive a Cutters logo baseball, camp certificate, lunch with the players after the camp and two tickets to the August 2 Cutters game where camp participants will come on the field with the Crosscutters for the National Anthem.

Space is limited. The cost is $65 per child and all participants must be pre-registered. Registration forms are available online at www.crosscutters.com or at Susquehanna Bank Park.

For more information on the Cutters Kids Camp, call the Cutters Hotline at (570) 326-3389.

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

Socks & Underwear Drive Set for Thursday

June 25, 2014

The IronPigs and the United Way are hosting a Socks and Underwear Drive prior to the IronPigs-Red Wings game on Thursday, June 26 at Coca-Cola Park. The drive will benefit the students of the 12 United Way Community Schools in the Lehigh Valley region.

For each and every donation, fans will receive raffle tickets to win a variety of great autographed memorabilia. Receive one raffle ticket for each newly packaged pair of socks or piece of underwear donated. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Sock and Underwear Drive.

Those that donate an item will be entered to win one of five autographed items:

Darren Daulton Autographed Baseball
Tommy Green Autographed Baseball
Seth Rosin Autographed Baseball
Old Saturday Game Worn Jersey
2014 Miracle League Jersey (size XL)

For more information on the Drive, please contact Kelly Gooley at kgooley@ironpigsbaseball.com.

Single-game tickets, mini plans and group tickets for all IronPigs home games presented by Capital BlueCross, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Click here to view the original story.

Phanatic, Military Appreciation Night June 19th

June 12, 2014

First of two Phanatic visits this year

The BlueClaws welcome the Phillie Phanatic to FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, June 19th, 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 nine 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.

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