The Jersey Shore’s Crown Jewel: A Deep Dive into the Lakewood BlueClaws

The Jersey Shore has plenty of options for affordable, family-friendly fun, but there’s still one place that stands out—the ballpark where the Jersey Shore BlueClaws play. 

Originally known as the Lakewood BlueClaws, this Minor League Baseball team has been the heart of the local sports scene since they first took the field in 2001. And, thanks to their affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies, you might end up watching the next big MLB star. 

Whether you’re a die-hard BlueClaws baseball fan or just in it for the fireworks and funnel cakes, a BlueClaws game is the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

A Little History on the BlueClaws

The BlueClaws got their start in 2001 in Lakewood, New Jersey, and it didn’t take long for them to win over the hearts of locals. As the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, the team’s job is to develop young talent for the majors, which means you can catch some of the sport’s future superstars while they’re still cutting their teeth in the minors.

One of the coolest things about the BlueClaws is that they didn’t wait long to start racking up wins. They snagged their first South Atlantic League championship in 2006 and then went on to win it again in 2009 and 2010. Not bad, right? Fans loved seeing a winning team on their home turf, and the BlueClaws quickly became one of the hottest tickets in town.

From Lakewood to the Phillies: Where Stars Are Born

The BlueClaws are all about player development and put a high emphasis on helping young athletes work their way up to the big leagues. Since they’re affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies, BlueClaws players are part of the Phillies’ talent pool.

Some pretty big names started right here in Lakewood. Remember Ryan Howard, the Phillies’ powerhouse slugger who won the 2006 National League MVP? He knocked it out of the park here in the early 2000s. And Cole Hamels, the pitcher who led the Phillies to their 2008 World Series win? Also a former BlueClaw. You might also recognize Carlos Carrasco, another alum who’s now a star in the majors. 

The Best Seat in the House: ShoreTown Ballpark

Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of the Jersey Shore baseball scene—ShoreTown Ballpark (formerly known as FirstEnergy Park). If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly place to enjoy a mix of baseball action and summer activities, this is it. The BlueClaws have built an experience that’s all about having a great time, whether you’re a baseball fan or just there for the hot dogs and fireworks. 

One of the coolest things about ShoreTown Ballpark is how it caters to families. Kids will love the play area complete with bounce houses and games. Plus, there’s Buster the Crab, the team’s lovable mascot who is always around for high-fives and selfies. Don’t forget the special events! From fireworks nights that light up the sky to themed evenings like Superhero Night and Bark in the Park (where you can bring your dog), there’s always something fun happening at the ballpark.

And did we mention the food? Because the funnel cake fries alone are worth the trip. Don’t forget to check the BlueClaws schedule so you know when to head to the ballpark.

BlueClaws in the Community: More Than Just Baseball

The BlueClaws’ involvement in the community is a big part of what makes them so special. When they’re not busy winning games, they’re giving back to local schools, charities, and families. The BlueClaws put a lot of effort into making the Jersey Shore a better place to live and play, and they’ve been doing it since day one.

Through BlueClaws Charities, the team raises money for everything from scholarships to helping out families in need. And if you’ve got a young baseball player in your house, you might want to check out one of their youth baseball clinics, where future sluggers can learn from the pros.

The Big Rebrand: From Lakewood to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws

In 2021, the team made a big move by officially changing their name from the Lakewood BlueClaws to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Why the switch? It was mainly about recognizing that the team isn’t just for Lakewood—it serves the entire Jersey Shore community. Fans from up and down the coast come to the games, so it only made sense for the name to reflect a broader fanbase. 

Along with the new name came some sweet upgrades at ShoreTown Ballpark, like new seating, upgraded concessions, and some fresh looks around the stadium. It’s all part of the team’s mission to keep things exciting and make sure fans keep coming back for more.