Baseball season for MLB has kicked off, and that will soon include all the minor leagues. With Triple-A starting last weekend, the rest of Minor League Baseball is officially set to kick off this weekend. With that comes the excitement of the Philadelphia Phillies' prospects. Specifically, that means we may see some new faces climbing MLB Pipeline's ranks soon.
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws have been an affiliate of the Phillies organization since 2000 and have sported some huge names along the journeys' of current and former Phillies. Two Phillies legends in Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels also have their numbers retired (29 and 19 respectively). The BlueClaws' uniforms have been a staple as the High-A affiliate of the Phillies, and will continue to be for years to come.
As part of the history and new look for the BlueClaws as a MLB affiliate, they will take on an alternate identity this season that will bring in some excitement later during the season.
Phillies' Jersey Shore affiliate unveils 'shiny' new alternate identity
According to MiLB.com, for one game this year, on June 14, the BlueClaws will take on the identity of the Shine Barons. The name is in reference to the 25 years of the team (the Silver Anniversary) and the name Pine Barons, a name that was in the running for the original team name years ago. The Pine Barons are an ode to the Pine Barrens, an ecosystem in New Jersey that showcases the beautiful pine trees of the garden state.
Shine on, Jersey Shore! 🌲
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) March 18, 2025
Honoring the team's Silver Anniversary, the @BlueClaws have introduced the Shine Barons, a new alternate identity that plays off another finalist for its original name: https://t.co/UP42dod4ix pic.twitter.com/lU8bWrTisC
“This is the first exciting alternate identity that we put together for this June, with more to come,” BlueClaws general manager Bob McLane said, per MiLB.com. “25 years of BlueClaws is a special thing we really wanted to celebrate in style!”
The logo features a raccoon holding a tree over its left shoulder while sporting a suit jacket, top hat and a monocle. The team's uniform and design of their bobble head giveaway that day will also be announced at a later date, but Shine Barons merchandise is already available on the BlueClaws' online shop.
Minor league baseball is known for it's unique designs and creative names for their affiliates. It's also known as a more casual fan experience. When it comes to Jersey Shore, they haven't done anything other than the BlueClaws name since its inception, so a new look even for a day will be a fun change for the club. The change of identity will be a fun one for fans and a reminder of the history that every team has, including the Minor Leagues.