The Lakewood BlueClaws have been sold to Shore Town Baseball, according to a release from the BlueClaws.
The BlueClaws, who were previously owned by American Baseball Ventures, announced the deal on July 27.
Shore Town Baseball is a newly formed group headed by Minor League Baseball veteran Art Matin, who was formerly the CEO of Mandalay Baseball Properties, which owned and operated nine separate franchises over its existence, according to the release. Monmouth County residents Bob Tamashunas and Bill Luby are investors in the group.
“This opportunity with the BlueClaws is certainly very exciting for all of us,” Matin said, according to the release. “Our ownership group is made up of people who love the game of baseball, have extensive experience in owning minor league baseball franchises and bring local knowledge and commitment to the table. We look forward to continuing the tradition of providing fun family entertainment and exciting professional baseball for decades to come here on the Jersey Shore. I have always admired the previous BlueClaws ownership group and thank them for working with us on this opportunity and congratulate them on 17 terrific seasons with the team.”
The Philadelphia Phillies’ Single-A affiliate, the BlueClaws have led the Southern Atlantic League in average or overall attendance in each of the past 16 seasons, according to the release.