The Jersey Shore BlueClaws are preparing to celebrate their milestone 25th anniversary season in 2026 with an array of special events, fan tributes, and giveaways. The team, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will kick off the season with Opening Night on April 7, 2026, at ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood, New Jersey.
This anniversary season marks a significant moment in the franchise’s history, and the BlueClaws plan to engage fans in various ways throughout the summer. One of the highlights includes a call for fan-submitted photos and memories from the past 25 years. These contributions will be featured on the team’s video board, website, and social media platforms.
Celebrations and Fan Engagement
In addition to fan memories, the BlueClaws will hold voting for the 25th Anniversary All-Star Team. Fans can vote weekly for different position groups, starting with catchers on January 26, 2026. Subsequent weeks will feature infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, and relief pitchers.
Key games during the season will also include special commemorations. The April 7 Opening Night will mark the 25th time the BlueClaws have launched their season. On April 11, the first 1,000 fans will receive a commemorative ticket recognizing the anniversary of the team’s inaugural home game.
Fans can also look forward to new merchandise featuring a 25th anniversary patch on the BlueClaws’ home cap. The design resembles a beach badge and includes the team’s iconic surfing crab logo, along with the words “25th Anniversary,” and the years “2001” and “2026.”
Legacy of the BlueClaws
Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane emphasized the importance of the fans. “The BlueClaws 25th Anniversary season is about the fans that have made the BlueClaws a truly special place for a quarter-century,” McLane stated. “We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone all summer long.”
Throughout their history, the BlueClaws have maintained their affiliation with the Phillies. The original player development contract was signed on September 20, 2000. Since then, 127 former players have reached Major League Baseball, with 87 debuting with the Phillies. Notable alumni include Ryan Howard, who made his MLB debut on September 1, 2004, and Orion Kerkering, who debuted on September 24, 2023, becoming the first player to play for both the BlueClaws and the Phillies in the same season.
The latest BlueClaw to reach the majors is Otto Kemp, who made his MLB appearance on June 7, 2025, after playing with the BlueClaws in 2023 and 2024.
Single-game tickets for all BlueClaws 2026 games are now available, including the anticipated Opening Night against the Brooklyn Cyclones, a New York Mets affiliate, at 6:35 p.m. The team also invites fans to secure tickets for special occasions such as Father’s Day on June 21 and the July 4 celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
As the Jersey Shore BlueClaws prepare for a summer filled with festivities and baseball, the team looks forward to honoring its legacy while creating new memories with fans.
