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BlueClaws Make Community Days Big Part Of Seventh Season
By Bryan Woodward
 | | --Photo By Keith Hagarty Volunteers from the Howell Chamber of Commerce worked behind the concession stand at FirstEnergy Park last week as part of the Lakewood BlueClaws' incentive program, which donates $750 to participating non-profit groups. |
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"It seems like only yesterday when Matt Thayer caught that fly ball to seal the SAL (South Atlantic League) Championship right here in front of you. We got one in year six, and now we hope to get number two as we enter year seven."
Such is the message in the BlueClaws letter to their fans, found at www.lakewoodblueclaws. com.
The Claws are not off to the championship run type start that they would like to be, but are playing well with a current record of 23-20 as of May 24.
But while the 'Claws might not be playing championship caliber ball on the field, they are hosting championship caliber events off the field.
The BlueClaws enjoy a rich and long history of involvement with the community and the loyal fans that support them year-in and year-out. To show their appreciation, they constantly work on scheduling special events for their fans to enjoy.
The 'Claws, who drew 448,310 fans last season, brought their total attendance record for their first six seasons to 2.5 million. They are already on pace to break through the three million mark this season, making them the fastest team in South Atlantic League history to do so. The BlueClaws attribute their continued success to their loyal and devoted fans that come out and support their team no matter what. A major contributor to that success is their continued community friendly special events and promotions.
The BlueClaws continue to please fans as well as townships by hosting townshipspecific nights, to honor the area's continued support of the team.
Events held earlier this season included Brick Township Day on April 22, as well as Beachwood/Pine Beach Little League Night on May 10. During the BlueClaws' Little League Nights, they invite all players from the Little League to lead a parade around the warning track of the field in honor of playing America's National Pastime.
Within the past weeks, the 'Claws have held Howell Night as well as Jackson Night, focusing on the people, organizations and businesses of both communities. Not only do the BlueClaws honor each township, but
the 'Claws also give something as well to
the fans. For example, on Howell Night, the 'Claws raffled off concert tickets throughout
the game, and on Jackson Night, the team gave away mesh trucker hats to the first 2,000 fans through the gates.
The BlueClaws' list of events continues throughout the summer, with other Ocean and Monmouth County towns getting the spotlight in coming weeks. The team will host Toms River Night on June 1, Jackson Little League Night on June 23 and Manchester Little League Night on August 24.
To go along with their township and Little League nights, the 'Claws also host a variety of other events targeting aspects of the community. Those events include: Scout Night, Camp Days, Grandparent's Day, All Faiths Night, Firefighter Night, College Fair Night, Youth Football Night, as well as fireworks displays.
Such promotional efforts have been recognized nationwide. For instance, the BlueClaws organization received the 2005 Baseball America Bob Freitas Award for overall excellence in Minor League Baseball. The team has also been recognized in several national publications.
Throughout the game on a township night, businesses and organizations from the town are featured on the team's stateof the-art scoreboard, giving thanks to the groups which help them to enjoy the success they've had.
Even when not hosting a special event, the BlueClaws offer something for every member of the family. For the children, there is Six Flags' Pinchy's Playground, located down the left field line, featuring slides, monkey bars, a moon bounce as well as human bowling. For the adults, there is the Coors Light WRAT Trap. There is also The Claws' Cove, where you can purchase BlueClaws merchandise, from hats and jerseys to bats and balls.
For more information on the Lakewood BlueClaws, call 732-901-7000, or visit www.lakewoodblueclaws.com.
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