SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws and Phillies extend Player Development Contract

Published on July 11, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The Lakewood BlueClaws, the single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced the Phillies have extended their Player Development Contract with the BlueClaws for two more seasons. The current four-year agreement expires after the 2008 season.

This most recent extension ensures that the Phillies Single-A club will call Lakewood, NJ home through at least the 2010 season.

"Obviously we are ecstatic to be extending our relationship with the Philadelphia Phillies," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "From the front office personnel to the players and coaches, throughout the system, the Phils are a world-class organization."

The BlueClaws have been an affiliate of the Phillies since their inception to start the 2001 season. Philadelphia has now had a team in the South Atlantic League for 47 years, beginning with the Spartanburg Phillies in 1961.

"Having a home for our players in a top-notch facility, just an hour away from Philadelphia is the perfect scenario for the Phillies," said Steve Noworyta, Phillies Director of Minor Leagues. "We have been very pleased with the first eight years of this partnership and are looking forward to many more."

The Phillies also extended the PDC with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Reading Phillies and the Williamsport Crosscutters over the past few weeks.

Currently in their eighth season, Lakewood has had 17 former players make their major league debut with the Phillies, including Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels. A total of 11 former 'Claws are currently on the Phillies 40-man roster.

Nine of the other 15 teams in the South Atlantic League's current PDC agreements are set to expire at the end of the season. Asheville (Colorado), August (San Francisco), Charleston (New York Yankees), Columbus (Tampa Bay), Hagerstown (Washington), Hickory (Pittsburgh), Lexington (Houston), Savannah (New York Mets), and West Virginia (Milwaukee) are all up for renewal.

Tickets to every remaining BlueClaws game are still available online at BlueClaws.com, over the phone at (732) 901-7000 and in-person at the FirstEnergy Park ticket office.

Check out the Jersey Shore BlueClaws Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from July 11, 2008


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