LAKEWOOD — The Jersey Shore BlueClaws will celebrate a milestone summer in 2026 as the franchise marks its 25th anniversary season at ShoreTown Ballpark.
Team officials said the anniversary will focus on the fans who have supported the club since its debut in 2001. BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane said the organization is planning a season-long celebration recognizing the community’s role in the team’s success.
As part of the anniversary, the BlueClaws are asking fans to submit photos and memories from the team’s first 25 years. Selected submissions will be featured throughout the season on the video board, the team’s website and social media platforms.
The team will also unveil a 25th Anniversary All-Time Team, with fan voting conducted by position group. Voting is scheduled to begin later this month with catchers, followed by infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers and relief pitchers in subsequent weeks.
Several anniversary-themed game nights are planned during the season. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is scheduled for April 7 and will mark the 25th home opener in franchise history. A commemorative ticket giveaway is also planned for April 11, when the first 1,000 fans will receive a special ticket honoring the anniversary of the team’s first-ever home game.
Players will wear a special home cap throughout the season featuring a 25th anniversary patch. The design resembles a beach badge and includes the surfing crab logo along with the years 2001 and 2026.
The BlueClaws have served as a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate since the franchise’s inception, with the original player development agreement signed in 2000. Over the past quarter-century, 127 former BlueClaws have reached the major leagues, including 87 who made their debuts with the Phillies. Former BlueClaw Ryan Howard was the first alumnus to appear in a major league game in 2004.
Attendance milestones are also approaching. More than 8.9 million fans have attended BlueClaws games since 2001, leaving the club fewer than 100,000 fans shy of reaching the 9 million mark entering the 2026 season.
Single-game tickets are now available for select dates, including Opening Night, Father’s Day on June 21 and the July 4 game tied to America’s 250th birthday celebration. The season opens April 7 with the BlueClaws hosting Brooklyn, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
