BlueClaws Mourn Loss of Sam Christopher

The BlueClaws mourn the loss of Sam Christopher, the "Dean of Ocean County Journalists" and a long-time supporter of the team. Christopher passed away on Monday at the age of 87.

The BlueClaws previously dedicated the FirstEnergy Park Press Box as the "Sam A. Christopher Press Box" on May 27, 2007. Until the last few seasons, Christopher attended virtually every BlueClaws home game and typically sat in his first-row press box seat, telling stories to a room-full of eager listeners.

"Nobody loved the BlueClaws more than Sam Christopher, and we are deeply saddened by his passing," said BlueClaws Team President Joe Finley. "More than anything, Sam was a wonderful person who knew how to make everybody smile. He will be greatly missed by all of us."

Christopher, who covered and supported the BlueClaws from even before their 2001 inception, was a long-time Lakewood resident and local reporter covering the area since the 1940s. He worked for the Lakewood Daily Times, Freehold Transcript, Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Courier, and Ocean County Observer. He also covered the New York Giants (baseball) when they held Spring Training in Lakewood during World War II.

The team will recognize Christopher during the 2015 season, with details to be announced at a later date.