A few weeks ago, I wrote about the awesome minor league ballparks that we have here in New Jersey (check out that post here). Seriously – if you are a baseball fan, New Jersey is a great place to live. We’ve got SIX terrific minor league baseball teams in New Jersey, two of which are affiliated with local major league baseball organizations. You can’t beat the value that New Jersey’s minor league baseball teams offer – I can take my entire family to a game for the price of one major league ticket. The seats are great and we almost always come home with some player autographs. New Jersey’s minor league ballparks are also a great place to introduce young fans to the game.
Beginning this week, several of New Jersey’s minor league baseball teams are hosting FREE preseason events for fans at their ballparks!!! These free events include the opportunity to take in a baseball game or team practice, behind the scenes ballpark tours, free and discounted food, player autograph sessions, and live entertainment! It’s a great way to kick off the season and get excited about New Jersey baseball. Check out these upcoming events and make plans to spend a day or evening at the ballpark.
BlueClaws, Brookdale College to Play Free Exhibition Game
The Lakewood BlueClaws season opener is on Thursday, April 9th, but New Jersey baseball fans will get a chance to take in a free game on Monday, April 6th when the BlueClaws take on Brookdale Community College in an exhibition game at FirstEnergy Park. Admission to the exhibition game is free and seating is general admission. Gates open at 6:00 pm and first pitch is at 6:35 pm. The Lakewood BlueClaws are Double-A Affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. First Energy Park is located at 2 Stadium Way in Lakewood, New Jersey. Visit the Lakewood BlueClaws online for more information.
Trenton Thunder To Host Free Fan Event On April 7
The Trenton Thunder, a Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will host their annual “Welcome North Open House,” on Tuesday April 7 from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Admission to this event is free. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the team’s first practice of the year at ARM & HAMMER Park and tour the stadium. Following practice, fans will have a chance to meet the players during a one hour autograph session. Free hot dogs and sodas will be served. This is a rain or shine event. Arm & Hammer Park is located at 1 Thunder Road (opposite the intersection of Cass St. & Rt. 29) in Trenton, New Jersey. Visit the Trenton Thunder online for more information.
Somerset Patriots to Host Annual Fan Fest on April 11
The Somerset Patriots will celebrate the start of baseball season with their annual Fan Fest at TD Bank Ballpark on Saturday, April 11th from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Admission to Fan Fest is free and includes a chance for fans to meet and get autographs from Somerset Patriots players (including record-breaking closer Jon Hunton), as well as baseball legend and the team’s manager emeritus Sparky Lyle, manager Brett Jodie, and hitting/third base coach Shane Spencer. Fan Fest also features tours of the Diamond Club and Suites, one-day only ticket discounts, exclusive discounts on Somerset Patriots merchandise, carnival games and activities, as well as New Jersey Mobile Hall of Fame, live entertainment, face painters, and appearances by team mascots Sparkee and Slider. Fans will be treated to an 1800’s style baseball game between the Flemington Neshanock and the Elizabeth Resolutes. Players wear wool uniforms, use a special leather ball, and do not use gloves to field. Kids get to run the bases at 2:30 pm and will have the opportunity to interview with Spearhead Staffing representatives for the chance to become the “Somerset Patriots Kid CEO” for the 2015 season. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a Somerset Patriots Ballpark Comic Con branded Cinch Sack. TD Bank Ballpark is located at 1 Patriots Park (GPS- 860 East Main Street) in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Visit the Somerset Patriots online for more information.
Riversharks Fan Fest Scheduled for April 19
Take in a free baseball game at Campbell’s Field as the Camden Riversharks take on the Lancaster Barnstormers during their annual Fan Fest event on Sunday, April 19th at 11:35 am! In addition to the baseball game, Fan Fest features discounted concessions, face painting, balloon artists, live music, and the opportunity to meet Riversharks players and participate in an autograph session! Campbell’s Field is located at 401 North Delaware Avenue in Camden, New Jersey. Visit the Riversharks online for more information.
More on New Jersey Baseball:
- Things to Do In New Jersey – Catch a Baseball Game!
- Things to Do In New Jersey – South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame
Featured Photo Credit: Glen Brunette via Flickr
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