The Jersey Shore BlueClaws, a Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are gearing up for a significant milestone as they celebrate their 25th anniversary season in 2026. With a series of special events, fan tributes, and commemorative giveaways planned throughout the season, the BlueClaws aim to honor their long-standing connection with the community and baseball fans alike.
Celebrating a Quarter-Century of Baseball
The celebrations kick off on April 7, 2026, marking the opening night of the season at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, New Jersey. This event is particularly special, as it represents the 25th Opening Night in the BlueClaws’ history. Fans are encouraged to share their memories and photos from the team’s first quarter-century, which will be featured on the video board, the team’s website, and social media platforms.
Beginning January 26, the BlueClaws will also introduce a voting initiative for the 25th Anniversary All-Star Team. Fans can participate by voting for one position group each week, starting with catchers, followed by infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, and relief pitchers.
Special Events and Giveaways Throughout the Season
The BlueClaws have planned several key events throughout the season to celebrate this milestone. On April 11, they will host a 25th Anniversary Commemorative Ticket Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans, recognizing the anniversary of the BlueClaws’ first-ever home game. Alongside this, the team will unveil a special cap featuring a 25th anniversary patch, incorporating the iconic BlueClaws surfing crab logo along with the years 2001 and 2026.
Bob McLane, General Manager of the BlueClaws, expressed his excitement about the anniversary season. “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,” he stated.
The BlueClaws have maintained their affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies since their inception, with the original player development contract signed on September 20, 2000. Over the years, a total of 127 former BlueClaws players have transitioned to Major League Baseball, with 87 debuting with the Phillies.
One notable alumnus, Ryan Howard, made his MLB debut on September 1, 2004, after playing for the BlueClaws in 2002. Similarly, Gavin Floyd, Howard’s teammate, followed suit with his debut just two days later. Most recently, Orion Kerkering made history as the first player to appear for both the BlueClaws and the Phillies in the same season, debuting on September 24, 2023. The latest BlueClaw to step onto the MLB field is Otto Kemp, who made his debut on June 7, 2025, after playing for the BlueClaws in 2023 and 2024.
With single-game tickets already available for the 2026 season, fans can secure their spots for exciting events, including the highly anticipated opening night against the Brooklyn Cyclones on April 7, starting at 18:35. Other significant dates include Father’s Day on June 21 and July 4, aligning with America’s 250th birthday celebration.
This summer promises to be a remarkable season for the BlueClaws, as they celebrate their rich history and the loyal fanbase that has supported them throughout the years.
