BlueClaws to Retire Howard's Jersey Number

The best minor league baseball team around, the Lakewood BlueClaws, announced today that they will hold their first jersey retirement ceremony for a former player on Thursday, September 2nd of this year. The jersey will belong to Ryan Howard, who wore number 29 with Lakewood in 2002.

Howard was the very first Lakewood alum to play in a Major League game. In '02 with Lakewood, Howard hit .280 with 19 home runs and 87 RBI. An appreciative Howard spoke about the distinction. "It is a tremendous honor for me to have my number retired by the BlueClaws," Howard stated. "I'm excited to return to Lakewood this summer to participate in the ceremony."

In a press release, Lakewood general manager Geoff Brown said, "Ryan has gone from a great BlueClaws player to one of the best players in all of baseball. We're proud to honor him like this and excited to bring him back as part of our 10th season celebration."

Two other numbers have been retired by the BlueClaws in the past. Number 50 was retired by all SAL teams to honor John H. Moss, who was South Atlantic League President for 50 years. And Jackie Robinson's number 42 is also retired by every team in Major and Minor League Baseball.

BlueClaws ticket information can be found by clicking this link.

-------------------------------

It's PhoulBallz Phillies Wednesday on The Shore Sports Report. Check me out live, talking Phillies at 5:05pm. Live stream can be found by clicking HERE.

Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE!

Share on Facebook

Comments

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly. On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne. The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska. In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be. He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line. And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line. He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog