Minor Leagues, Major Attractions

The cry of ‘play ball’ resounds throughout New Jersey.

Posted April 14, 2010

Camden Riversharks
Campbell’s Field, Camden
Season: April 18-Sept 19
Tickets: $15 for premium field level; $5 for family section. Call 866-SHARKS-9; riversharks.com
• A member of the independent Atlantic League, the Riversharks are managed by former big league slugger Von Hayes.

Lakewood BlueClaws
FirstEnergy Park, Lakewood
Season: April 8-Sept 6
Tickets: $11; $8 for lawn seats. Call 732-901-7000; lakewoodblueclaws.com
• The BlueClaws are the single-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Alums include current Phillies stars Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels.

Newark Bears
Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, Newark
Season: April 22–Sept 19
Tickets: $10. Children 2 and under are free on a parent or guardian’s lap; $1 discount for seniors and military/first responders. Call 973-848-1000; newarkbears.com
• The independent team’s 2010 roster includes pitcher Armando Benitez and infielder Edgardo Alfonzo, former teammates on the 2000 New York Mets.

New Jersey Jackals
Yogi Berra Stadium, Little Falls
Season: May 27-Sept 6
Tickets: $11 for box seats; $9 for reserved; $5 standing-room. Call 973-655-8025; jackals.com
• The Jackals play in the independent Can-Am league. This year’s roster includes ex-major leaguers Abraham Nunez and Rusty Tucker.

Somerset Patriots
TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater
Season: April 22–Sept 19
Tickets: $12.50 for premium field boxes; $10 for field box; $9 for upper box; $5 for lawn seating. Call 908-252-0700; somersetpatriots.com
• The five-time Atlantic League champions are managed by colorful ex-Yankee Sparky Lyle.

Sussex Skyhawks
Skylands Park, Augusta
Season: May 27-Sept 6
Tickets: $12 for box seats; $10.50 reserved; $9 for general admission. Call 973-300-1000; sussexskyhawks.com
• The Skyhawks, who play in the independent Can-Am league, recently hired former major leaguer Ed Ott as field manager.

Trenton Thunder
Waterfront Park, Trenton
Season: April 8-Sept 6
Tickets: $12 for club seats; $11 pavilion ($9 for juniors 5-12 and seniors 60+). Children under 5 are free on an adult’s lap. Call 609-394-3300; trentonthunder.com
• As the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Thunder has prepped future Bronx Bombers such as Melky Cabrera, Robinson Canó, and Joba Chamberlain.