Baseball team to take part
in ALS fund-raiser May 22

LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood BlueClaws, the class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are holding an ALS fund-raiser at Finnigan’s at Brunswick-Lakewood Lanes for the second straight year. The ALS Association is the official charity of the Phillies.

On May 22, after a BlueClaws day game, the Lakewood coaches and all of the players will work at Finnigan’s, located only minutes from FirstEnergy Park on routes 9 and 70.

The players wait tables during the dinner hour and the coaching staff will tend bar. All of the tips and gratuities, as well as 10 percent of gross revenue will go to the ALS. Last year’s tips and silent auction raised $8,000, after raising $5,000 in year one.

For the silent auction, the BlueClaws have received autographed baseballs from Randy Wolf, manager Larry Bowa, Brett Myers, Marlon Byrd and Brandon Duckworth of the Phillies; Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Gary Carter; as well as current Mets Al Leiter and manager Art Howe; current Braves Marcus Giles and Mike Hampton; and current Red Ken Griffey Jr. Other items include autographed pictures, bats and jerseys. BlueClaws fans can gain additional information by calling Jim DeAngelis at (732) 901-7000, Ext. 114.

"It should be a lot of fun," said BlueClaws Manager Buddy Biancalana. "Fighting ALS is a very worthwhile cause and I know many of our players will enjoy taking part in this event. It’s a great way for them to spend time with our fans and be part of a wonderful cause."

"We’re happy to be a part of this type of event, to support an important cause and work with the BlueClaws," said Finnigan’s General Manager Tom Gibson.

The BlueClaws also will raise money by collecting $1 for autographs at the event. Those families interested in making reservations for the event can call Tom Gibson at (732) 364-7900.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is the wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunks as well as those that control such functions as speech, swallowing and breathing. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years. The cause, cure or means of control of ALS are unknown.

The ALS Association works to find a cure for the disease, provides patient support, education for health care professionals and the general public, and advocacy for ALS research and health care concerns, according to a press release from the BlueClaws.