LAKEWOOD, NJ - The Phillies announced Wednesday that first baseman Ryan Howard will DH for the BlueClaws on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Park.

Howard played with Lakewood in 2002 and rehabbed at FirstEnergy Park in 2007 and in 2010, with the team retiring his #29 during his 2010 appearance in Lakewood.

Thursday's game is presented by Philadelphia Water Ice.

This game is expected to sell-out and fans are encouraged to order their tickets in advance to avoid getting shut out. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2.

"We're very excited to bring Ryan back to Lakewood," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "It's always a treat for our fans to see a big leaguer back with the BlueClaws and especially so here with one of our greatest former players."

On Thursday, the BlueClaws will be wearing special baby-blue jerseys modeled after the old Phillies road uniforms worn by the Phillies from 1976 - 1991. The jerseys will be auctioned off live after the game with proceeds benefiting BlueClaws Charities. Thursday is also a 66MVP Thirsty Thursday with dollar beer and soda plus 50-cent wings.

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