Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball has something for everyone
For the 22nd summer, ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood will be alive with the sound of fun this year.
Sure, there will be baseball on the field as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, the Philadelphia Phillies’ high-Single A affiliate, compete in the South Atlantic League, giving area fans a first glimpse of the Phillies stars of the future.
But the game itself is just part of an overall atmosphere designed to provide something for everyone. Because whether it’s playing boardwalk games or a round of mini golf, relaxing with a drink in the Sand Bar down the left field line or listening to music, it’s all there.
“When people come to us, there’s a handful of things they say that are always consistent,” said Joe Ricciutti, president and general manager of the BlueClaws. “One is (that) we have the friendliest staff in all of minor league baseball. Our ushers, our ticket takers, our greeters — they make you feel welcome when you come in the door.
“And they also say (we) have the most amount of stuff going on during a game. There’s mini golf going on, the boardwalk games, there’s a band playing, there’s stuff everywhere," he said. "Of course, there’s baseball down on the field, but you also have mascot stuff and in-between-innings stuff — just stuff everywhere. A multi-ring circus.”
Located on the suite level is Blue Wave Bar, with coastal décor and exclusive menu options. It is open to all fans from the time the gates open until 60 minutes after the final out, with a happy hour and drink specials if the BlueClaws win.
There are a host of ticket options, from season tickets to five and 10-game packages. Fans can host group outings and use one of the stadium’s four hospitality areas or a luxury box for a special event.
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In addition, there’s a wide variety of promotional days that help bring organizations and the community together, including 11 nights with post-game fireworks.
There’s something for everyone, including some high-quality baseball on the field.
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Here’s a look at the BlueClaws home schedule and promotional events for the 2023 season:
2023 Jersey Shore BlueClaws home schedule
May 30 to June 3: Brooklyn Cyclones, 7:05 p.m.; fireworks June 2.
June 4: Brooklyn, 1:05 p.m.
June 6 to 10: Hudson Valley Renegades, 7:05 p.m. June 8 is First Responders Night; June 9 is Pride Night and fireworks; June 10 is Irish Heritage Night.
June 11: Hudson Valley, 1:05 p.m.; Salute To Dad Day.
June 20 to 24: Rome Braves, 7:05 p.m.; June 23 is Girl Scout Family Night and fireworks; June 24 is Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night.
June 25: Rome, 1:05 p.m.
July 4 to 8: Hudson Valley, 7:05 p.m.; July 4 is Independence Day Celebration and fireworks; July 6 is Military Appreciation Night; July 7 is fireworks.
July 9: Hudson Valley, 1:05 p.m.
July 25: Aberdeen IronBirds, 6:05 p.m.
July 26: Aberdeen, 11:05 a.m.; Camp Day.
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July 27 to 29: Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m.; July 28 is fireworks; July 29 is Salute To Heroes Night.
July 30: Aberdeen, 1:05 p.m.
Aug. 1: Brooklyn, 7:05 p.m.
Aug. 2: Brooklyn, 12:05 p.m.; Camp Day.
Aug. 3 to 5: Brooklyn, 7:05 p.m.; Aug. 4 is "Star Wars" Night and fireworks; Aug. 5 is Marvel Super Heroes Night and fireworks.
Aug. 6: Brooklyn, 1:05 p.m.
Aug. 15 to 19: Asheville Tourists, 7:05 p.m.; Aug. 18 is Boy Scout Night and fireworks; Aug. 19 is Splintered Sunlight concert.
Aug. 20: Asheville, 1:05 p.m.
Aug. 29 to Sept. 2: Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m.; Sept. 1 is Autism Awareness Night and fireworks; Sept. 2 is Fan Appreciation Night.
Sept. 3: Aberdeen, 1:05 p.m.
Go: ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood; 732-901-7000. Ticket prices start at $16; box office opens two hours prior to home games; tickets also available at milb.com/jersey-shore.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore BlueClaws baseball has something for everyone
