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Looking for family fun for less?
Check out a local minor league baseball game
By Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
If you haven't checked out seating prices at our area major league baseball stadiums this year, be prepared to faint when you do. The cost of a game for a family of four can put you in the poorhouse, and with money tight these days, who can afford it? Add in the cost of refreshments, and you're facing a real financial hardship.
 | | CHRIS KELLY |
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The economy is no reason to skimp on family fun in the warm weather months. Area minor league baseball teams provide grand-slam entertainment at recession-friendly prices. All the seats are good seats at these smaller ballparks, and the atmosphere is an exciting throwback to a time when players actually played for the thrill of the win and not a mega-paycheck.
The Lakewood BlueClaws, South Atlantic League Single A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are only a short drive away and they're long on entertainment. FirstEnergy Park, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood, rocks night after night with great baseball and promotions for kids ages 12 and under. Through various sponsors, kids with paid admission eat for free at every game at the park, using vouchers for a soda, hot dog and a bag of chips — a bargain for cashstrapped parents. Friday nights have fireworks, and there are plenty of specials events and promotions such as an autograph signing with WWE's Hacksaw Jim Duggan on June 20 and former Mets star Darryl Strawberry on Aug. 1. Ticket prices range from $7 for lawn seats (Sod Squad) to $12 (with junior/senior rates available). Purchases can be made through the website at www.lakewoodblueclaws.com or call 732-901-7000, Option 2, or at the ticket office.
The Trenton Thunder, the Double A affiliate of the New York Yankees in the Eastern League with back-to-back league championships to boast about, offers families plenty of to cheer about. Located at One Thunder Road, Trenton, Waterfront Park is an easy drive. Here, too, kids under 12 get vouchers to eat free with the paid price of admission. Ticket prices range from $9 to $12. There are plenty of season long promotions, with giveaways such as Trenton Thunder caps, bobblehead dolls and youth replica jerseys for the first 1,000-2,000 in attendance. There are also fireworks on given days to add to the excitement. Tickets can be purchased at www.trentonthunder.com, at the ticket office or by phone at 609-394-3300, Option 2.
The Somerset Patriots call the TD Bank Ballpark, 1 Patriots Park, Bridgewater, home. Managed by Cy Young Award-winner Sparky Lyle, the four-time Atlantic League champs give both kids and adults much to cheer about. The organization offers many promotions and special pricing plans for kids through their popular Somerset Sluggers Kids Club game plans. Adults can also purchase miniplans to accompany the kids, and regular prices for single games range from $5 for lawn seating to $12.50 for premium field box seats. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office or online at www.somersetpatriots.com, or by calling 908-252-0700.
Just a quick trip up the Turnpike or Parkway will get you to the Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad St. in the heart of Newark — the home of the historic Newark Bears. Just the great view of the Manhattan skyline over the outfield will wow parents, but the kids will love the promotions and special events. This year the Bears will host the 2009 Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 23. Regular game ticket prices are $10 for regular and box seats, $8 for bleacher seating, and $5 for lawn seats. Kids under 4 receive a complimentary ticket for the game. Another cash saver is the Two for Tuesday offer, where two tickets can be purchased for the price of one. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the stadium box office or by calling 888-85- BEARS. Visit the website at www.newarkbears.com for upcoming events.
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