Back in the NJ-PA-NY area for a few days, and the first stop is in Lakewood to see the BlueClaws at First Energy Park. Tons of fans pour into the ballpark each night—the BlueClaws average about 6,500 fans per game, and lead the South Atlantic league in attendance becoming the fastest team in league history to top two million in attendance. Tonight I was joined by my mom and dad, who helped me staff the Tour for the Cure table. It’s kinda hard to see from the picture above, but the outfield grass has a large “P” cut into the design, to signify the team’s affiliation with the Phillies. One former BlueClaw to take note of is Ryan Howard, who played here during the 2002 season and did some rehab earlier this year before coming of the DL. One interesting seating note about the BlueClaws and their ocean/beach type theme—in the outfield, you have the option to sit in one of several lifeguard stands, each giving you a slightly elevated seat from the outfield. Special thanks to Jim for getting us set up tonight!

In small world baseball news, I ran into Tony (pictured here) who was actually at the same Fenway game earlier this week as the Tour for the Cure. Tony is one of the many people I have run into at various parks doing mini baseball tours. Perhaps we’ll run into him again at the Brooklyn Cyclones game in early September.