Shore Sports

It’s hard to imagine based on the weather today but the Lakewood BlueClaws open their 11th season two weeks from tonight when they host Kannapolis at FirstEnergy Park. Fans can get a jump start on seeing this year’s edition of the BlueClaws two days earlier on Tuesday, April 5th when they play Monmouth University in an exhibition game. First pitch will be 6pm and general admission tickets will be just $5 for what will be a 7-inning game. The BlueClaws roster will be announced shortly as Phillies minor leaguers continue spring training in Clearwater. Monmouth’s season is well underway and the Hawks are 7-8 following a loss at Temple yesterday.

Based on sales of jerseys Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is the most popular major league baseball player. For the first time ever Major League Baseball has released a list of the 20 best-selling jerseys and last season Jeter’s #2 Yankees top was #1 with fans. Twins catcher Joe Maurer was second followed by a trio of Phillies…Roy Halladay, Chase Utley and Cliff Lee who actually played for the Mariners & Rangers last season. The Yankees Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira were 9th and 11th with the Phillies Ryan Howard #18. When it came to team sales the Yankees were clearly #1 followed by the Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies.

Toms River High School North will have a new boy’s basketball coach next winter as Chris Kane has told me he will not be back as coach of the Mariners. North was a disappointing 7-15 this past season which was Kane’s third and he has decided to step down for his own reasons.

Some of the shore’s top players will take the court for a final time as representatives of their schools tomorrow night at Brookdale Community College.
The Shore Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Games move to Brookdale’s Collins Arena from Freehold Township High School. The Girls game is at 6pm with the Boys to follow at 8pm.

For years I have been suggesting that the summer All-Star Football game now known as the US Army All-Shore Gridiron Classic be held on a Thursday night to avoid the dreadful Friday traffic conditions. Finally someone has listened as Lacey’s Lou Vircillo who serves as director of the game has announced it will be held on Thursday, July 14 at Toms River High School North.