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SAL1 Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Cole Hamels memorabilia raises over $2600

June 9, 2006 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - Phillies rookie pitcher and 2003 Lakewood BlueClaws hurler, Cole Hamels made a rehab appearance in Lakewood on May 30. After the game, Hamels autographed the BlueClaws jersey and hat that he wore on the field and the BlueClaws had the items available for bidding in a silent auction through the end of their homestand, Thursday night.

The two items combined to raise over $2600 for the Grand Slam We Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Lakewood BlueClaws. The foundation uses funds to provide tickets to underprivileged youth in the Monmouth and Ocean County.

What the BlueClaws did not expect was that the two auction items would end up on opposite sides of the country. One of the items went to Jim Barry, a local BlueClaws fan from New Jersey and the other is headed to California. James Denton, famed for his role on the ABC network's Desperate Housewives, placed the winning bid on the second item.

"It is great to see that the BlueClaws have fans all across America," said Geoff Brown, BlueClaws General Manager. "When we put these items up for auction last week, I couldn't imagine that we would be able to raise this much money for the Grand Slam We Care Foundation. There are quite a few kids who are going to be able to have fun at a ballgame because of Jim Barry and James Denton."

Denton is a huge fan of Major and Minor League Baseball and has followed Cole Hamels' career as he rose through the ranks all the way to the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season. Denton has been seen wearing a Hamels' BlueClaws jersey as a guest on The Best Damn Sports Show Period on the Fox Sports Network. As an actor, Denton has also appeared on episodes of JAG, The Drew Carey Show, The Pretender and The West Wing.

During his rehab start on June 1, Hamels was brilliant. The southpaw, making his first start in front of the Lakewood crowd for the first time since 2003, did not disappoint. Hamels went 5.2 innings scattering 3 hits and giving up a run while walking two. When exiting the game the fans showed there respect by giving a long standing ovation.

In 2005, the Lakewood BlueClaws were the recipients of Baseball America's Bob Freitas award for overall excellence in Minor League Baseball. The BlueClaws have led the league in attendance every year, topping out at 444,607 in 2005 and became the fastest team in South Atlantic League history to reach the 2 million fan attendance mark. For tickets or more information call 732-901-7000 or visit the BlueClaws website at blueclaws.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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