LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Nine local military-based charities
will receive a total of $24,000 from OceanFirst
Foundation after a successful first season of
the "Home Runs for Heroes" partnership with the
Lakewood BlueClaws.The program tied 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 brought a $1,000 donation to the corresponding charity courtesy of OceanFirst Foundation.
"We thank the BlueClaws organization for giving us the opportunity to work together in support of our troops and veterans," said Katherine Durante, Executive Director of OceanFirst Foundation. "We hope that the grants through the Home Runs for Heroes Program will bring much needed relief to local military families going through difficult times."
The BlueClaws will host a special check-presentation ceremony on Wednesday at FirstEnergy Park, beginning at 4 pm.
"This was something we were ecstatic about when OceanFirst Foundation first came to us with the idea," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "It's great that these home runs helped us on the field, but those that get helped off the field carries so much more importance."
American Recreational Military Services, tied in with first base, led the way with $9,000, thanks to seven home runs by Jim Murphy and two from Jeremy Hamilton. Catcher (Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton) and left field (Army Emergency Relief - Fort Monmouth) each brought in $3,000. Second base (VetGroup), Third base (Navy-Marine Corps. Relief Society - Earle) and designated hitter (Army Emergency Relief of Fort Dix) brought in $2,000. Centerfield (National Guard State Family Readiness Council) made $1,000 for one home run.
Despite Lakewood's shortstop position and rightfielders not hitting any FirstEnergy Park home runs this year, both Navy / Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society - Lakehurst and the American Red Cross will each receive $1,000.
Jim Murphy (seven, all at first base) and Travis d'Arnaud (four, two each at catcher and designated hitter) hit the most FirstEnergy Park home runs this year for the BlueClaws.
The Lakewood BlueClaws won their second South Atlantic League championship in 2009, a year in which they led the league in attendance for the ninth straight season, won the league's Club Merit Award, became the fastest team in NJ and SAL history to reach 4-million fans, and let kids eat free at every 2009 home game.
The 2010 schedule has been released and ticket packages are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000.
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