BlueClaws to Retire Ryan Howard's 29 on 9/2
Individual tickets for the September 2nd BlueClaws game, when the team retires Ryan Howard's number 29, are now on sale.
Howard will be in Lakewood for the event, the first time the BlueClaws have ever retired the number of a former player.
Presently, tickets have only been available to ticket package holders, and now are available to the general public in-person at the BlueClaws box office, on the phone at 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com. There are a limited number available.
A BlueClaws first baseman in 2002, he hit .280 with 19 home runs and 87 RBIs that year. In 2007, he returned on a rehab assignment, and hit another home run and drove in four runs to tie the franchise record.
"It is a tremendous honor for me to have my number retired by the BlueClaws," said Howard. "I'm excited to return to Lakewood this summer to participate in the ceremony."
Howard's 29 will be the third number retired by the BlueClaws, but first of a former player. John H. Moss, who was South Atlantic League President for 50 years, has number 50 retired by all SAL clubs. Jackie Robinson's number 42 is also retired by every team in Major and Minor League Baseball.
"Ryan has gone from a great BlueClaws player to one of the best players in all of baseball," said BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown. "We're proud to honor him like this and excited to bring him back as part of our 10th season celebration."
Since becoming the first former BlueClaws player to play in a Major League game (September 1, 2004), Howard has been the National League Rookie of the Year (2005), National League MVP (2006), and been a key factor on two Phillies World Series teams, including their 2008 championship club.
"This is the highest honor we can give a former player," said Brown. "And Ryan Howard certainly earned it."
He has hit 40 home runs in four straight seasons, and can tie Babe Ruth for the all-time record with a 40 home run season this year. In May of 2009, he became the fastest player ever to hit 200 career home runs (his 658th game), surpassing Ralph Kiner's record.
The BlueClaws kick off their 10th season at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, April 16th when they raise the 2009 South Atlantic League Championship Banner. Dollar Weekend is April 17th and 18th, when all reserve and general admission tickets are just $1. Tickets are available by calling 732-901-7000 or online at BlueClaws.com.
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