Whether it’s Little League or the Major Leagues playing baseball in April in this part of the country is challenging to say the least although it might be harder for those in the stands then on the field. As we suffer through another spring that feels much closer to winter than summer baseball is back and last night some hearty souls braved falling temperatures and strong winds to get their first look at the 2011 edition of the Lakewood BlueClaws.
The Phillies “Class A” team beat Monmouth University 3-0 in an exhibition game at FirstEnergy Park that allowed the newest BlueClaws a first opportunity to get comfortable in what will be their home for the next six months. It was a also a chance for the Hawks to match their skills against guys who get paid to play which is where several of them could be headed at some point in the future. One of the few offensive highlights in a game dominated by pitching came in the 4th inning when BlueClaws DH Anthony Hewitt belted a monstrous 2-run homer over the wall in left-center off freshman Stephen Frey, who was impressive over five innings in his first start for the Hawks.
Monmouth (13-12 overall) is right back in action today when they visit Lafayette
while the BlueClaws get ready for their season-opener Thursday against Kannapolis at FirstEnergy Park.
Had a good time broadcasting last night’s game on our Shore Sports Network along with Matt Harmon and BlueClaws broadcasters Greg Giombarrese and Sean Houston. Matt and I interviewed new Monmouth basketball coach King Rice during the 4th inning…he had the honor of throwing out last night’s first pitch.
Rice has hit the ground running and is clearly excited about his first head coaching opportunity.
On a totally unrelated note there will be two separate Zumba fundraising events this Saturday. Zumba is a Latin-inspired cardio workout that is set to music and has become very popular as a way to stay fit while having fun. April is Autism Awareness Month and because of that the Autism Awareness Club of Central Regional will host a fundraiser in the Boys gym Saturday from 6-7:30pm. The 90-minute “Zumbathon” will find local instructors donating their time and energy.
Admission is just $10 with all the money going to the cause of fighting Autism.
The Toms River High School North baseball program is also hosting a Zumba fundraising event on Saturday at 10am in the school’s gold cafeteria. The donation is $15 for adults and $10 for students with all proceeds going to support the Mariners baseball program.
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