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FANS' EXCITEMENT HEATS UP CHILLY BLUECLAWS' OPENER
By Keith Hagarty
 | | --Photo By Keith Hagarty An ice cold night was not enough to chill the spirits of fans at the Lakewood BlueClaws home opener last week. Jackets, blankets and some team spirit were all fans needed to usher in this, the team's seventh season. |
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Sitting high atop the elevated lifeguard
style bench in deep center
field at FirstEnergy Park, Mike "Lip" Lipcsey and Kevin "Curley"
Mahana didn't let the frigid temperatures and biting wind ruin their excitement at the Lakewood BlueClaws' opening day.
"This is awesome!" said Lipcsey, who immediately sprung from his seat to chase down a homerun ball landing in the grassy field. "I've never gotten a ball at a game before, it's my first. This is so great."
The two 16-year old Toms River East High School friends were not alone in their enthusiasm, despite the BlueClaws dropping their opener 11-9 to the Greensboro Gators.
While the final score was less than desirable, the fan turnout and rousing spirit was greatly appreciated by BlueClaws' general manager Geoff Brown.
"I think everybody had a real good time, and tried to stay warm," said Brown. "It was definitely the coldest opening day we've had so far."
With a banner-raising commemorating the BlueClaws' 2006 South Atlantic League championship season, Brown was thrilled with the support shown by all the fans that came out to cheer on the home team.
"It went great," Brown said of the opener. "We probably didn't need to give up nine runs in the first inning, but it was neat to have the fans back out at the ballpark. It gets lonely here in the winter."
Despite the frigid wind and temperatures dipping into the 30's, Brown was delighted to see the 6,600-plus fans flock to the 6,588-seating capacity stadium to see their BlueClaws kick off the 2007 season.
"It was very impressive that that many folks came, stayed, enjoyed it and had a really good time," he said. "We welcome them back."
Sharing a warm blanket to catch a bird's eye view of the game, 12-year olds Marisa Reilly and Maddie Price of Lacey, had a heck of a time at their first baseball game of the season.
"We thought it might be warmer, but it's okay, we're still having fun," said Reilly.
Brown said the fans excitement is equaled by the organization, pointing to several new amenities to FirstEnergy Park, including an upgraded food court featuring the new Barbecue Corral in right field, as well as several promotions, including the return of Friday Night Fireworks, Monday Kids Eat Free and the new addition of Senior Day Tuesday provided by Commerce Bank, where seniors eat free, and baseball bingo for the fans.
The entertainment provided at the stadium complements the on-field talent assembled by the BlueClaws, according to Brown.
"The Phillies have really given us a lot of great prospects this year, so I
think were going to be in good shape,
and we'll see what happens," he said. "We're going to be in good shape."
When reviewing the list of players currently on the BlueClaws' roster, Brown singled out top prospect pitcher Edgar Garcia and two of the Philadelphia Phillies' recent first round picks, shortstop Adrian Cardenes and Kyle Drabeck- the youngest son of former major league all-star pitcher Doug Drabek- as key players to keep an eye on throughout the season.
As general manager of the team since it moved to Lakewood in 2001, Brown has seen his share of talented, young prospects play for the BlueClaws, most notably Phillies' first baseman Ryan Howard, the reigning 2006 Most Valuable Player of the National League.
"That is awesome," Brown said of Howard's achievements. "I don't think you can predict anybody is going to be a (major league baseball) MVP here at our level, but I think everybody thought he'd be good, and it's just amazing how good he got, and how quickly he did it."
"He's a great guy," said Brown, pointing to Howard's off-field contributions to the community in addition to his on-field heroics.
Howard's success in the major leagues has been a boon for the BlueClaws' organization and its fan base, according to Brown.
"I think it's great for the fans, and I think it's great for the guys that are playing here. It's very important, certainly for the fans' sake," he said. "That's what we've been saying since day one is that you're going to see future major leaguers, and you're going to see future major league stars, and to have a guy of that caliber already proving it, is just fantastic."
Nurturing a tradition of baseball excellence and fan appreciation is what the BlueClaws are all about, according to Brown, who thanks the fans for their unwavering loyalty and support.
"We appreciate the fans that come out every year, and the fact that they come out when it's hot, cold, dry or wet, you name it, they come out to support the team," said Brown.
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