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Jersey Shore BlueClaws

BlueClaws host Autism Awareness Night

April 19, 2005 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Jersey Shore BlueClaws News Release


LAKEWOOD, N.J. - The Lakewood BlueClaws, single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are proud to host the fourth annual "Autism Awareness Night" at FirstEnergy Park on Saturday, May 28 at 7:05 p.m. Pre-game ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. and autistic children will be singing "Take me out to the Ballgame" and "America the Beautiful" and the National Anthem as part of the on-field ceremonies.

The BlueClaws hosted professional baseball's first-ever Autism Awareness Day in 2002 and received recognition from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and were also featured in a cover story in Autism Digest, the nation's largest autism magazine. Senator Jon Corzine, other civic leaders and leading autism organizations have attended the event since its inception.

"We're excited to once again be hosting the event," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "Autism Awareness Night has become an annual tradition and allows families of autistic children to share in the community fun of kicking off the summer season with baseball on Memorial Day weekend."

Larry and Joni Jones of Toms River have again been named as the BlueClaws' coordinator for the event. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents of an autistic child and are longtime community activists. They are the directors of Baseball for Autism Awareness.

"This is an event where autistic kids can be with typical kids in the community and just have fun, especially in the Six Flags Playground at the ballpark, which children love," said Joni Jones. “People at the ballpark on May 28 can see for themselves that autistic children can interrelate with typical children and have a great day at the ballpark.”

As part of the annual event, the BlueClaws are making discounted tickets available to fans who purchase tickets through Baseball for Autism Awareness. A $9 reserve seat is available for $6 when purchased in advance. Autistic children will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-game, on-the-field parade with a parent or caretaker.

For more information on BlueClaws' Autism Awareness Night, contact Larry Jones at 732-818-1985 or Lakewood BlueClaws group sales manager Johanna Reilly at 732-901-7000 ext 106.

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