Back just in time for another round of St Patrick’s Day parades, beginning Sunday in Belmar, is Wear It and Win. Buster and members of the BlueClaws front office will be marching in a series of parades, and if they spot you wearing BlueClaws gear, we’ll hand you FREE Opening Day tickets right on the spot. Parade schedule:
Today is a special day in BlueClaws history. It’s the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the name BlueClaws to the general public.
It happened in the Lakewood Town Square 10 years ago today, the unveiling of the name. The first BlueClaws logo (changed after the 2009 season) was unveiled in August.
A total of 49 BlueClaws entries were received. The name was first sent in by nine year old Matt Koscielski of West Belmar and Jan Gualtier of Ocean County.
If you’re wondering, ground was broken on the ballpark April 13th, 2000.
Some news on a popular program…
LAKEWOOD, NJ - The BlueClaws, OceanFirst Foundation, 92.7 WOBM and 1160 WOBM-AM announced that Home Runs for Heroes will return in 2010, after a successful debut season in which $24,000 was donated to local chariteis that provide essential support to veterans and active members of the United States military.
Like last year, the program will tie each position on the field (not including pitcher, but including designated hitter) with a local military-based charity. Each home run by the BlueClaws at home this year will bring a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity courtesy of OceanFirst Foundation.
Read the rest of the release here (includes information about non-profit grant applications for the program).
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It’s really a great program. Last year, $24,000 was donated by OceanFirst Foundation because of BlueClaws home runs. ARMS (American Recreational Military Services) ended up with the most money ($9,000, seven of the home runs from Jim Murphy).
We’ll have a draft lottery on the field before Opening Day like last year and keep you posted on the program throughout the year. Last season’s results:
| Position | Organization | Amount |
| C | Catholic Charities, Trenton Diocese | $3,000 |
| 1B | American Recreational Military Services | $9,000 |
| 2B | VetGroup | $2,000 |
| 3B | Navy/Marine Relief Society - Earle | $2,000 |
| SS | Navy/Marine Relief Society - Lakehurst | $1,000 |
| LF | Army Emergency Relief - Fort Monmouth | $3,000 |
| CF | National Guard Family Readiness Council | $1,000 |
| RF | American Red Cross | $1,000 |
| DH | Army Emergency Relief - Fort Dix | $2,000 |
To Ocean Twp Elementary School. Proceeds from the eBay auction went to BlueClaws Charities.
Good news. Buster can now deliver a Valentine’s Day gift pack to your friend or loved one!
We’ve put the auction up on eBay (bid here), with all proceeds going to BlueClaws Charities.
From the eBay page:
This Valentine’s Day, have the BlueClaws’ mascot, BUSTER, personally deliver a Valentine’s Gift Package to that special someone in your life. Now is the chance to bid on this unique experience and have a Valentine’s Day to remember!
Whether it’s at home, work, or school, Buster can deliver to any site within a 25 mile radius of FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. Buster’s appearance time is available for either February, 12th, 13th, or 14th, and at the time of your choice. The winner of the auction will be contacted shortly thereafter.
Included in the Valentine’s Gift Package:
* Box of Chocolates
* Dozen Roses
* Personalized Valentine’s Day Card
* BlueClaws T-shirt (S, M, L, XL, or XXL)
* Ticket Voucher for two seats to any 2010 Regular Season Home BlueClaws Game
BlueClaws Director of Community Relations Jim DeAngelis will be on with Shawn and Sue at 7:40 am Tuesday (listen here).
BlueClaws Assistant GM Brandon Marano was interviewed yesterday by WOBM News regarding the BlueClaws upcoming job fair (details here). You can listen for those comments in the coming weeks (job fair is February 13th).
Another photo gallery…this one from our Breakfast with Buster Holiday Food and Toy Drive on Saturday. The BlueClaws and Salvation Army of Ocean County thank everyone for their support and for braving the snow, making it out to donate.
Also a special thanks to Manhattan Bagel of Brick for providing free bagels for everyone at the event.
Just a quick heads up…Saturday is the annual Breakfast with Buster holiday food and toy drive here at FirstEnergy Park. Basically as follows:
