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.
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