The Jersey Shore BlueClaws are set to commemorate their 25th anniversary season in 2026 with a series of special events, fan tributes, and memorable giveaways. As the team gears up for another summer at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, New Jersey, the excitement is palpable as fans prepare to celebrate a significant milestone in the franchise’s history.
Starting on April 7, 2026, the BlueClaws will kick off their anniversary season with an Opening Night game against the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Mets affiliate. This event marks the 25th Opening Night in the team’s history, setting the stage for a summer filled with celebrations commemorating a quarter-century of baseball at the Jersey Shore.
Celebrating the Legacy
In honor of their anniversary, the BlueClaws are inviting fans to share their photos and memories from the past 25 years. These submissions will be featured throughout the season on the team’s video board, website, and social media platforms. Fans can submit their contributions via the team’s official website, creating a sense of community that highlights the impact the BlueClaws have had on their supporters.
Additionally, the BlueClaws will host voting for their 25th Anniversary All-Star Team. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for players in various positions, starting with catchers on January 26, 2026. This interactive component allows fans to engage with the team’s history while celebrating the players who have made notable contributions over the years.
Special Events and Giveaways
Throughout the season, the BlueClaws plan to hold several key events and giveaways. Notable dates include:
– April 11, 2026: A commemorative ticket giveaway for the first 1,000 fans, recognizing the anniversary of the BlueClaws’ first home game.
– The home cap for the 2026 season will feature a special 25th anniversary patch, designed like a beach badge that includes the team’s iconic surfing crab logo, along with the years 2001 and 2026.
Bob McLane, General Manager of the BlueClaws, expressed the significance of this milestone, stating, “The BlueClaws 25th Anniversary season is about the fans that have made the BlueClaws a truly special place for a quarter-century. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone all summer long.”
The BlueClaws, a Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have seen numerous players transition to the Major Leagues since their establishment. Their partnership with the Phillies began with a player development contract signed on September 20, 2000. To date, 127 former BlueClaws have made their mark in Major League Baseball, with 87 of those players debuting with the Phillies.
Ryan Howard, who played for the BlueClaws in 2002, was the first to reach the big leagues, debuting on September 1, 2004. More recently, Orion Kerkering made history as the first player to compete for both the BlueClaws and the Phillies in the same season, debuting on September 24, 2023. Otto Kemp, another former BlueClaw, joined the MLB ranks on June 7, 2025, showcasing the continued success of the BlueClaws as a developmental team.
As the anticipation builds for the 2026 season, fans can purchase single-game tickets for all BlueClaws games, including the highly anticipated Opening Night on April 7, which begins at 18:35 and features a fireworks display. Additional tickets are available for special promotional days, including Father’s Day on June 21 and the Fourth of July, part of celebrations for America’s 250th birthday.
With a commitment to honoring their history and a focus on fan engagement, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws are poised for a memorable anniversary season that will resonate with baseball lovers throughout the region.
