Register Today for BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Youth Baseball camps return in 2022 and young players will receive professional-level instruction on the ShoreTown Ballpark field across four different sessions this summer.

Youth Baseball Camps are presented by Rothman Orthopaedics, the official team physicians of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

Camp, designed for young players ages 6-12, runs from 9 am until 12 noon each day. Additionally, registration includes a BlueClaws game ticket and participation in a pre-game parade at the game.

“This is an event were are most excited to bring back after being unable to host camp over the last few years,” said Kayla Reilly, BlueClaws Director of Events & Operations. “We have four great sessions and the young players will learn in a professional environment right on the same field on which the BlueClaws play!”

Below, find the schedule for the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camp:

  • Session 1: July 7th – July 8th (two days), $114.49
  • Session 2: August 4th – August 5th (two days), $114.49
  • Session 3: August 16th – August 19th (four days), $197.38
  • Session 4: August 23rd – August 25th (three days), $155.93

All registration is done online and can be made by clicking here.

Instruction will include pitching, fielding, and hitting. Campers will use the field as well as the batting cage inside the ballpark. All players should bring their own glove.

With any questions, please email [email protected].

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Over two decades at the Shore, the BlueClaws have drawn over 7.9 million fans. In 2018, the team added the nine hole Manasquan Bank Mini Golf Course, the Boardwalk, and Sand Bar to enhance the Jersey Shore experience within the stadium. This year, the BlueClaws opened the Blue Wave Bar, a full service bar/restaurant on the Luxury Suite level that is open to every fan at every game.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

BlueClaws Collecting Diapers at May 5th Game

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws are partnering with Child Care Resources on a Diaper Drive at the 6:35 pm game on Thursday, May 5th.

Fans can drop off diapers at the ballpark that night at a trailer along the third base concourse behind Section 110. The diapers will then be distributed throughout the Jersey Shore by Child Care Resources.

“There is indeed a strong need for diapers around the Jersey Shore and we’re happy to help collect diapers and raise awareness for the need,” said Jim McNamara, executive director of BlueClaws Charities. “We’re fortunate enough to work with a great organization in Child Care Resources and help them with their year-round efforts.”

Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of diapers, to remain clean, dry, and healthy. Unlike other basic needs such as food and heat, there are no government ‘safety net’ programs that help families obtain diapers. Kim Perrelli, Executive Director of Child Care Resources explains that providing diapers to a family in need can lead to outcomes like “an increase in parental happiness and a reduction in stress. It also helps with the ability to spend income on other basic needs.”

Click here to order tickets for the May 5th game.

May 5th is also a Thirsty Thursday, presented by 95.9 WRAT. Fans can enjoy $2 Coors & Coors Light cans both in the Sand Bar and ballpark wide. The Thirsty Thursday Club provides fans with 10 undated tickets. These can be used in any denomination. Click here for additional information on the Thirsty Thursday Club or call 732-901-7000 option 3.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Christ Church and St. Joe's Take Center Stage Thursday at Fluor Field

Two Upstate high school baseball programs will take center stage Thursday night at Fluor Field, as the Christ Church Cavaliers take on the St. Joe’s Knights. This will be the final high school game of the year at Fluor Field. First pitch between the Cavaliers and Knights is set for 6 PM.

All tickets are just $7, and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

The Main Street Gate at Fluor Field will open at 5 PM. Due to the construction of the all-new District 356 entertainment area, Field Street (first base side of the ballpark) will be closed off to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Concession stands will be open at Fluor Field, and outside food and beverage is prohibited. In conjunction with SCHSL rules, alcohol will not be sold during Thursday’s game at Fluor Field.

Please also make sure you are up-to-date with Fluor Field’s Clear Bag Policy, which can be found by clicking HERE.

Hot Rods Chosen to Receive Truist Spirit of Community Award 

*Bowling Green, Kentucky *– On Sunday, the Volunteers in Action executive committee recognized the Bowling Green Hot Rods as their 2022 Truist Spirit of Community Award winner. The Hot Rods join other local businesses and organizations that have won the award including Tony Rose, Crocker Law Firm, Houchens Industries, Chick-Fil-A, and American Legion – Post 23.

Eric C. Leach, Hot Rods General Manager and COO, and Kyle Wolz, Assistant General Manager, received the award at the Warren County Public Library on behalf of the Hot Rods organization on Sunday. The team has been involved in various community initiatives since its start in 2009. The Hot Rods have volunteered and partnered with local organizations like Boyz to Men, the Stuff the Bus Foundation, Kids on the Block, Norton Children’s Hospital, Down Syndrome of Southern Kentucky, Norton Children’s Hospital, and numerous other charitable organizations.

Most recently, the Hot Rods jumped in to aid the community after the devastating tornados that laid waste to Bowling Green and the surrounding areas. The front office assisted in cleaning up from the storm’s damage while also spearheading a charity auction featuring items from all over the country that were donated by various sports teams, colleges, and organizations. On April 10, the team also had #BGStrong day where the Hot Rods wore special jerseys on the field which were auctioned off following the game. All of the proceeds went to continued tornado relief efforts in the area.

“The community of Bowling Green has given us so much since we opened our gates in 2009,” Leach said. “We’ve been able to develop a beautiful ballpark downtown thanks to this amazing city and all the people in it. We’re incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work everyone at our organization has done and continues to do, to make sure we’re always trying our absolute best to be an active member of the community.”

The Hot Rods have also taken on various causes at Bowling Green Ballpark during the season, including hosting an annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosting a community organization of the night at each game, and introducing the Bolidos de Bowling Green alternate identity to celebrate Hispanic heritage in the community.

The Hot Rods proudly accept the 2022 Truist Spirit of the Community award and can’t wait to continue their partnership and work with the South Central Kentucky community!

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*Hot Rods Baseball *


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Renegades launch 'Gades Give Back Ticket Program'

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (April 18, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced the Gades Give Back Ticket Program, a brand-new community initiative that honors and gives back to groups of individuals that help lead, educate, secure, care for and protect our communities and nation.

The Renegades have selected different groups of people whom will have the opportunity to receive two (2) free Valley Reserved tickets to a home game during their group’s honored month.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the community and honor those who serve our communities,” said Steve Gliner, President and General Manager of the Renegades. “The ‘Gades Give Back’ program is just another way that we can say thank you to the people who help our communities and our nation on a daily basis.”

The selected groups for the 2022 season are as follows:

  • April – Government Employees (includes town/city employees, county employees, state employees and federal employees)
  • May – First Responders (includes EMS, firefighters, police, corrections officers and security personnel)
  • June – Education Staff (includes teachers, principals, school counselors and coaches, administrative staff, janitorial staff, and cafeteria staff)
  • July – Healthcare Workers (includes nurses, doctors, administrative staff, janitorial staff, etc.)
  • August/September – Military Personnel (includes active and retired military members of any branch)

To receive the two (2) free Valley Reserved tickets, fans must receive the tickets in-person at the Renegades Box Office and show a form of identification proving that you are part of one of the above honored groups. Tickets are limited to one game per individual during your honored month. Additional tickets beyond the two (2) free tickets will be subject to standard pricing for the selected ballgame.

For more information on the Gades Give Back Ticket Program, click here. The Gades Give Back Ticket Program, along with all Renegades Community Initiatives, are presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). For more on the Renegades Community Initiatives, click here.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994. The Renegades open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at the Greenville Drive with a nine-game road trip before returning home for the hope opener at The Dutch on Tuesday, April 19 against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Single-game tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets/single-game-tickets, by phone at (845) 838-0094 or at the ticket office at The Dutch.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

Blood Drive Hosted at Fluor Field During Wednesday's Game

As blood donations continue to have an urgent need in our Community, the Greenville Drive and The Blood Connection will host another Blood Drive at Fluor Field on Wednesday, April 20th. Blood mobiles will be setup along Field Street.

The Blood Drive will begin at 2 PM, and conclude with the first pitch of Wednesday’s game at 7 PM. Walk-up donations are allowed, but those wishing to donate are encouraged to pre-register for a time slot by clicking HERE.

Donors will receive a commemorative raglan t-shirt, clear bag, and a voucher for two tickets to a future Drive game!

First Reading All-Stars Celebration is Sunday, April 24th!

The first of three Reading All-Stars games this season. Presented by Michelin, this program uses the fun and excitement of Greenville Drive baseball to encourage elementary and middle school students to read. If students achieve Reading All-Star status, they earn a complimentary ticket to the game.

This game will see students from Anderson, Pickens, Laurens, and Spartanburg County schools. Each Reading All-Star will get the chance to walk in a pregame parade or attend a Meet the Team event prior to the game and get a new RAS t-shirt and book to take home with them.

Students and teachers will be recognized throughout the game as we celebrate their accomplishments!

Health Careers Night is Wednesday, April 20th

Wednesday night is Health Careers Night. Throughout the night, the Drive will be promoting careers in the healthcare industry to encourage and educate students interested in following this career path. The day begins at 2pm on Field St. with The Blood Connection blood drive. Donors can register by clicking HERE and will receive a raglan t-shirt, clear bag and a voucher for 2 tickets to a future Drive game.

Take part in a free Root Cause community health services fair on Field St. starting at 5 PM brought to you by Prisma Health and University of SC School of Medicine Greenville. This interactive fair leading up to the first pitch will include information and activities from community partners such as Carolina Wellness, Greenville Technical College Dental programs, American Heart Association, New Horizons and more.

At 5:30 PM, there will be a lively panel discussion in the 500 Club geared towards middle and high school students and their parents. Experts and professionals from Prisma Health and Greenville County Schools will be onsite discussing their own personal pathways to a career in the healthcare industry. Enjoy complimentary ice cream following the discussion!

When gates open to the public at 6 PM, the concourse will be alive with different interactive exhibits from Prisma Health, Greenville Technical College, Furman University and more.

For even more information on this special night, and to get tickets, click HERE.

3rd Annual Teach GCS Night is Tuesday, April 19th

In partnership with Public Education Partners of Greenville County, Greenville Count Schools, and Herff Jones, the Greenville Drive will host their 3rd annual Teach GCS Night at Fluor Field this Tuesday to kick-off the homestand versus the Winston-Salem Dash – affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

A night to elevate teachers in Greenville County Schools, and celebrate their profession, the evening begins at 5 PM with a special pre-game picnic in the 500 Club for all first-year teachers and their mentors! Those attending this picnic should have received a special invitation from Public Education Partners!

When gates to Fluor Field officially open at 6 PM, all teachers will receive a complimentary “My Drive to Teach” t-shirt courtesy of Herff Jones, and a $5 ballpark voucher compliments of the Drive that can be used at any of the concession stands!

Teachers from across Greenville County Schools will be recognized pre-game and throughout the night! Anne Tromsness, the 2021-22 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch, while Matt DeHart and Caroline Black, two of Greenville County Schools “Emerging Teachers” will serve as the Honorary Captains. Christian Scott, Sarah Poole and Anna Hasenkamp, the Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year Runners-Up will kick the game off as Honorary Play Ball Announcers!

In-game inning breaks will include live interviews with Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster, as well as GCS Trustee Chuck Saylors.

You’ll want to be part of this special night, when we recognize and thank our Greenville County School teachers. Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Make-A-Wish HV announces World Wish Day celebration with Renegades

TARRYTOWN, NY (April 12, 2022) – Having granted more than 3,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses since the chapter’s founding in 1986, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley staff, volunteers and supporters know about the power of a wish and how it restores hope for local children battling with critical illnesses.

Every year, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley – along with other chapters and affiliates worldwide – celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of the organization 42 years ago.

In celebration of World Wish Day, Make-A-Wish supporters are invited to celebrate the power of a wish at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, NY to rally around the tagline:

“Restore hope with a wish.”

In partnership with the Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, Make-A-Wish will host a local World Wish Day Ambassador, wish kid Bryan and his family, to represent the over 3,000 children who have had a wish granted by the chapter. Bryan will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and take part in on-field activities at the Renegades game that night. In addition, Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley President & CEO, Kristine Burton and Bryan will spend time in the radio broadcast booth to talk about the impact of a wish and how everyone has the power to restore hope with a wish.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.gadesgroups.com. The password is WISH. Tickets will be available for purchase through this link until Wednesday April 27th at 11:30pm, two days prior to the game.

Inspired by new research on the impact of a wish, World Wish Day 2022 focuses on how the hope that a wish provides can improve the emotional and mental well-being for children with critical illnesses, helping them to deal with, and overcome, their illness.

Today, Make-A-Wish is releasing new research in the form of the 2022 Wish Impact Study that provides quantitative data to lend credibility to the anecdotal feedback heard regularly from wish families. The powerful results of the Wish Impact Study add to a growing body of research demonstrating how wish-fulfillment promotes mental and emotional well-being for children and their families who are facing trauma stemming from a critical illness.

The online study surveyed three groups of individuals: parents of wish kids, wish alumni (i.e., former wish recipients) and doctors. The parents and alumni who were surveyed experienced a wish between 2009 and 2019, allowing them to look back and assess the lasting, long-term impact of the wish. In total, 3,411 people completed the survey.

Wish parents made up the majority of respondents with 93% of parents acknowledging that their family experienced traumatic stress due to their child’s critical illness. After their child’s wish was granted, 94% of parents recalled seeing improvements in their child’s emotional well-being, so much so that 91% of parents reported the wish gave their child a better chance of surviving their illness.

The wish alumni who completed the survey affirm the wish parents’ sentiments. 87% of alumni stated that they and their families experienced traumatic stress during their battle with a critical illness. Their wish played an integral role in counteracting the mental and emotional distress. More than 90% of the alumni agreed that the wish improved their quality of life, brought their family closer together, boosted their self-esteem and gave them hope for the future. Interestingly, 60% of the alumni indicated that they had fully recovered from their illness, helping to dispel the common misconception that children must have an end-of-life prognosis to be eligible for a wish.

Perhaps the most overwhelmingly positive feedback on the impact of a wish came from the pediatric doctors who participated in the study. More than 90% of the doctors said they witnessed their patients overcoming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and depression after their wish. Furthermore, 95% of the doctors reported the wish improved their patients’ emotional and physical well-being. 75% of the doctors went as far as to state that a wish could improve a child’s medical outcomes.

“At a time when families are dealing with unplanned hospital stays and uncomfortable treatments, a wish can provide children with the chance to reclaim a piece of their childhood and a sense of control,” said Dr. Shoba Sriktantan, MD, FAAP and chair of the Make-A-Wish National Medical Advisory Council. “After coming back from a wish, many of my patients exhibit a renewed sense of hope and greater compliance with their treatment, which is why I – and many of my peers – consider a wish to be an important part of a child’s treatment plan.”

To learn more about the Wish Impact Study and find out how you can get involved, visit hudson.wish.org.

About Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley

Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child’s wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey. Research shows children who have received a wish are able to build the physical and emotional strength needed to fight critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1986, the Hudson Valley Chapter has granted wishes to over 3,000 children in the community it serves. The Chapter’s territory spans eight counties of the Hudson Valley, including Delaware, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. The Chapter is a Better Business Bureau Wise Alliance Accredited Charity, meeting the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability. Additionally, a recent independent audit of the chapter reported that 73% of all funds raised go to program services. For more information about the Hudson Valley Chapter visit hudson.wish.org.

About the Hudson Valley Renegades

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994. The Renegades opened the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at the Greenville Drive with a nine-game road trip before returning home for the home opener at The Dutch on Tuesday, April 19 against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Single-game tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets/single-game-tickets, by phone at (845) 838-0094 or at the ticket office at The Dutch.

About Diamond Baseball Holdings

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

Home Runs For Heroes Reaches Half-Million in Donations

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – When DJ Stewart homered on Saturday onto the grass berm above the left field wall at ShoreTown Ballpark, it meant far more than the first BlueClaws home run of the year, and Stewart’s 16th professional home run. This particular blast brought OceanFirst Foundation’s donations to $500,000 in the history of the Home Runs for Heroes Program.

Home Runs for Heroes, which began in 2009, pairs military-based non-profit charities and charitable programs with each of the nine innings in a game. Each BlueClaws home run hit at ShoreTown Ballpark means a $1,000 donation for the corresponding organization(s). Since select innings have multiple organizations tied in, some home runs, including Stewart’s on Saturday, generate $2,000 in donations.

“OceanFirst Foundation is excited to be back for a 14th season of Home Runs for Heroes alongside our long-time partners – the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and Townsquare Media. This year, we have 14 amazing charity partners that serve our nation’s military heroes and veterans in times of need,” said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of the OceanFirst Foundation. “We are honored to be able to give back to our heroes through this program and wish the BlueClaws another record-breaking season!”

Stewart’s home run came in the fourth inning, raising $1,000 each for both Chariot Riders and the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund.

“On behalf of Townsquare Media and its shore radio stations (92.7 WOBM, 94.3 The Point, 105.7 The Hawk, Cat Country 96.7/104.1) as well as our Shore Sports Network we are honored to be part of this program again,” said Kevin Williams, Director of the Shore Sports Network. “Home Runs for Heroes not only provides financial support for these amazing organizations but it allows them to have a greater presence in the community so the public is aware of what they do for former and active duty military members and their families.”

Entering this year, OceanFirst Foundation had donated $499,000, including over $90,000 last year alone when the BlueClaws hit a franchise record 52 longballs at home

This year’s participating charities are as follows:

  • 1st Inning – American National Red Cross
  • 2nd Inning – Army Emergency Relief
  • 3rd Inning – Catholic Charities (Diocese of Trenton), Ma Deuce Deuce
  • 4th Inning – Chariot Riders, Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund
  • 5th Inning – Vetwork, Navy-Marine Corps Relief
  • 6th Inning – National Guard State Family Readiness Council, GI Go Fund
  • 7th Inning – Cape May Coast Guard Foundation, Jewish Federation of Southern Ocean County
  • 8th Inning – Deborah Hospital Foundation
  • 9th Inning (and Extras) – Homes for All

“Military organizations and programs are of such high importance to the BlueClaws, and we’re proud to be a part of this program,” said BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti. “When the BlueClaws hit home runs here at ShoreTown Ballpark, they don’t just help our team win, but they provide material support to our military heroes. Here’s to a summer of home runs!”

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Since their 2001 inception, they have drawn over 7.8 million fans. In 2018, the team added the Manasquan Bank Mini Golf course and boardwalk games to the offerings. They re-branded to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws heading into the 2021 season.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-

Renegades, Curemark partner on Sensory Safe Suite

Partnership will create a better game experience for children with special needs and their families

 

 

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (Mar. 31, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Renegades, the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to partner with Curemark this season on a Sensory Safe Suite at Dutchess Stadium. Suite No. 8 will be redesigned as a fun, accommodating and functional space to create a better game experience for families with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs.

The Curemark Sensory Safe Suite will have features that provide a feeling of comfort and relaxation at Renegades games while maintaining all of the engaging and standard aspects of a game at The Dutch. This will result in an atmosphere that allows guests in the suite to decompress and absorb the game with family and friends away from the louder, more frantic environments that exist throughout the ballpark.

“Curemark is pleased to partner with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a New York Yankee affiliate, to sponsor a safe and fun space for children with autism and their families,” said Dr. Joan Fallon, CEO of Curemark. “Providing access to baseball, our national pastime, for all individuals is truly important to me. I am grateful to the Renegades for this opportunity.”

For the 2022 season, the Renegades will be fielding applications from parties interested in a game in the Sensory Safe Suite. In accordance with Dutchess Stadium capacity restrictions, the suite can have a party of up to ­­12 people for any game. Families can request its use by reaching out to Community Partnerships and Guest Services Manager Marcella Costello ([email protected]).

“Having a sensory safe suite in our ballpark is not only an important community initiative but an enhancement to our overall fan experience,” said Steve Gliner, President and General Manager of the Renegades. “We know for a fact that families have been unable to attend Renegades games in the past due to sensory overload concerns. Now, thanks to our partners at Curemark, we can share the Renegades experience in a fun and accommodating way for families with children on the autism spectrum.”

The Sensory Safe Suite’s unique look and infrastructure are courtesy of Fun and Function, a Pennsylvania-based company in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Fun and Function has worked with Curemark in the past to create sensory spaces throughout MiLB.

For more information on the Curemark Sensory Safe Suite or the 2021 season, CLICK HERE or call (845) 838-0094.

ABOUT THE HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES

The Renegades are in their second season as the High-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. They have played their home games at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. since 1994. The Renegades open the 2022 season on Friday, April 8 at the Greenville Drive with a nine-game road trip before returning home for the hope opener at The Dutch on Tuesday, April 19 against the Brooklyn Cyclones. Single-game tickets are on sale now at https://www.milb.com/hudson-valley/tickets/single-game-tickets, by phone at (845) 838-0094 or at the ticket office at The Dutch.

ABOUT DIAMOND BASEBALL HOLDINGS

Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) is a subsidiary of Endeavor, the global sports and entertainment company. DBH was formed in 2021 to support, promote, and enhance Minor League Baseball through professional management, best practices, innovation and investment. (DiamondBaseballHoldings.com).

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BLUE ROCKS AND ROWAN UNIVERSITY ENHANCE PARTNERSHIP ONCE AGAIN IN 2022



The Wilmington Blue Rocks are pleased to announce yet another expansion to the partnership with Rowan University and Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM. Last year, as part of a collaborative educational effort between the team and the university, Rowan students exclusively handled all aspects of the broadcast, including play-by-play, color commentary and production of all home game broadcasts. As the season continued, additional students were added to the roster in the game presentation and production departments.

“Heading into the 2022 season, we had a great foundation based on how our partnership unfolded during the previous year” said Blue Rocks Assistant General Manager Liz Welch. “When we sat down to discuss 2022, we knew that we could build from that foundation and add additional layers to provide more and more students with valuable industry experience. We’re really excited to get these young professionals in here and to have the chance to work with them.”

This season, over 20 Rowan University students will join the Blue Rocks in various departments, including broadcasting, promotions, and creative services. A rotation of eight student broadcasters will once again call all of the action on the field at Frawley Stadium during the 2022 season. In addition, there will be a staff of three students in the Rowan Radio studios producing each broadcast and hosting the pre and post-game shows. These candidates were selected after a live interview and audition process in late-February.

Some of the new elements of the expanded partnership include a team of reporters who will act as beat writers and cover each game, complete with post-game stories that will be published on both Rowan’s own campus news site ‘The Whit’ as well as BlueRocks.com.

Rounding out the program will be a team of promotions assistants that will help in various roles throughout the game including marketing, creative services, in-game entertainment, and much more.

The complete roster of students selected to serve with Blue Rocks for the 2022 season are:

Game Broadcasters:

  • Dillon Siddiqi – Senior
  • Jason Joseph – Senior
  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior
  • Kara Guno – Junior
  • Aaron Hook – Sophomore
  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore
  • Jack Miller – Freshman

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Studio Host/Producers:

  • Spencer Reyes – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Aiden Butler – Sophomore

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On-Field Host:

  • Danny Ryan – Sophomore

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Production

  • Jakob Snyder – Senior
  • Michael Pawling – Senior
  • Stone Clemente – Junior
  • Jarquil Young – Sophomore
  • Primo Centuolo – Freshman

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Promotions Team:

  • Joshua Counts – Junior
  • Brandon Voss – Junior
  • Harley Sarmiento – Junior
  • Nicholas Wiley – Freshman

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Reporters:

  • Brianna Mac Kay – Junior
  • Matthew Green – Junior
  • Berry Andres – Junior
  • Ashley Craven – Junior
  • Tyrese Williams – Junior
  • Nicholas Rizzo – Freshman

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Field Timing Coordinators:

  • Paul Stainker Jr. – Senior
  • Nicholas Earnshaw – Senior

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Creative Services Assistant:

  • Joey Nicolo – Senior

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“We pride ourselves on providing the best sports experiential learning opportunities for our students” said Neil Hartman, Director for the Center for Sports Communication and Social Impact at Rowan University. “Rowan’s partnership with the Blue Rocks has played a significant role in preparing our sports communication and media students for the industry. Four Blue Rocks interns from last year landed full-time jobs in sports, and two of them are involved in minor league baseball. We are so excited to get the season started and have a new group of students enjoy this incredible experience. “

Rowan University has a strong history of developing students into professional broadcasters, including former Blue Rocks radio voice John Sadak (Blue Rocks broadcaster: 2006-2012), who is now the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds.

The Blue Rocks have partnered with Rowan Radio for live broadcasts since 2011 and all 66 home games will be heard live on the 750 watt station with a signal that reaches South Jersey, parts of Philadelphia, and Delaware. Games can also be streamed online at www.bluerocks.com.

The Blue Rocks open their 30th Anniversary Year in 2022 against the Brooklyn Cyclones (New York Mets) on Friday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m. at Frawley Stadium.

BlueClaws, Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore Set For June 17th Girl Scout Family Night



The BlueClaws and the Girl Scout of the Jersey Shore announced a continuation of their community partnership that is headed by Girl Scout Family Night, set for Friday, June 17th. Thousands of Girl Scouts of all ages, their families, and friends will participate in the evening that will feature activities that showcase programming offered by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and the impact those programs make in girls’ lives.

“Friendship, adventure, and making a difference are hallmarks of the Girl Scout experience. At Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, we have welcomed 2,500 new members and are serving over 10,000 total members in Monmouth and Ocean County. Girl Scouts has been a force for positive change and a champion of girl ambition for 110 years. We are grateful to the BlueClaws for being a member of the Girl Scout family and supporting the next generation of changemakers,” said Heather Coburn, Chief Executive Officer for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

Girl Scout Family Night includes a full and unique experience for Girl Scouts from the gates opening until the last fan departs! Before the game, Girl Scouts take part in a pre-game parade around the warning track. There will be other on-field activities and promotions, plus fireworks after the game!

“Girl Scout Family Night is one of our most popular and fastest-growing nights on the calendar over the last few years,” said Bob McLane, BlueClaws Senior VP of Ticket Sales & Service. “We’re very much looking forward to June 17th and welcoming in Girl Scouts from all over the Jersey Shore!”

Tickets for Girl Scout Family Night are just $15 and include a hot dog, soda, novelty ice cream. There is an optional on-field overnight open to registered Girl Scouts for an additional $10 and includes a viewing of “Raya and the Last Dragon,” snacks and continental breakfast the following morning. Ticket proceeds will benefit local programs and activities for Girl Scouts from Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

To purchase ticket for a troop, click here. For additional information, click here or contact Jamie Wagner at 732-901-7000 ext 177.

About Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves more than 10,000 girls ages 5-18 in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing a time-tested leadership experience that inspires and motivates them to take action for themselves and their communities. For over 100 years, Girl Scouts has helped girls become women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For information on how to join, volunteer, partner or donate, visit JerseyShoreGirlScouts.org or call (800) 785-2090.

About the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment, having drawn over 7.8 million fans since 2001. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore, presented by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, is set for Friday, April 8th at 7:05 pm. For ticket information, visit BlueClaws.com/Tickets.

– BlueClaws / Girl Scouts –

Black History Month: Highlighting Some of the Best Black Players to Play for the BlueClaws

 

JERSEY SHORE, NJ – In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at some of the best Black players to suit up for their club. While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.” Here is a look at some of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the BlueClaws.

Ryan Howard played for the BlueClaws in 2002 after being drafted by the Phillies the year prior from Southeast Missouri State. With the BlueClaws, Howard hit 19 home runs in 2002 and came back for rehab assignments in 2007, 2010, and 2012. In 2010, the BlueClaws retired his number 29. Howard and Cole Hames (#19) are the only BlueClaws to have their numbers retired by the team.

After leaving the BlueClaws, Howard won the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year and 2006 National League MVP. He helped the Phillies win the World Series in 2008.

Michael Bourn played for the BlueClaws in 2004. Drafted by the Phillies out of the University of Houston, he played for the BlueClaws in 2004, stealing 57 bases while hitting .317. He hit .266 over an 11 year Major League career with the Phillies, Astros, Indians, Braves, Diamondbacks, and Orioles and stole 341 big league bases. Bourn led the National League in stolen bases in 2009 (61), 2010 (52), and 2011 (61) while twice making the All-Star Game.

As a landlord, he waived rents for his tenants during the early COVID-shutdown period in 2020. You can read more about that here.

Quintin Berry was drafted by the Phillies in 2006 out of San Diego State. He spent 2007 with the BlueClaws, stealing 55 bases and hitting .312. Eventually, he made his big league debut with the Tigers in 2012 and played for four different major league teams, winning a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2013.

He is currently the first base coach for the Brewers.

RELATED – We talked about the history of Negro League Baseball in New Jersey with Dr. Larry Hogan on Hook Line & Splitter, a Jersey Shore BlueClaws podcast.

Anthony Gose broke Berry’s team stolen base record when he swiped 76 bases in 96 attempts with the BlueClaws in 2009. Playing for manager Dusty Wathan, Gose was the everyday leadoff hitter and centerfielder and helped the BlueClaws win the franchise’s second championship that season. Gose also homered leading off the bottom of the first inning in Game One of the SAL Championship Series, a series the BlueClaws won 3-1 over the Greenville Drive. Gose went back to pitching in an attempt to make it back to MLB, and after playing for the US Olympic team last summer, returned to the big leagues with the Cleveland Guardians in September.

Jiwan James played for the BlueClaws in 2010, hitting .270 with 33 stolen bases and played a spectacular centerfield. He helped the BlueClaws win the 2010 South Atlantic League title, their third in team history and second straight. After reaching Double-A with the Phillies, James played one year in the Tigers system and is now a youth baseball coach in his home state of Florida. We caught up with Jiwan last year and you can watch the interview below.

JP Crawford is still the only high school draftee to play for the BlueClaws in the year he was drafted. Taken in the first round of the 2013 draft, he made his BlueClaws debut that August. Crawford’s home debut came on August 20, 2013, the day Roy Halladay made a rehab appearance for the BlueClaws. Crawford came back to the BlueClaws for the first half of the 2014 season where he hit .295 with 14 stolen bases. After being named to the SAL All-Star Game, he was promoted at the all-star break that season. He is currently the shortstop for the Seattle Mariners.

-Jersey Shore BlueClaws-