Update: The Road to Philly Goes Through Lakewood

Update: It's official: Ryan Howard is playing for the BlueClaws tonight and will DH.

I've made no secret of the fact that I love baseball and I love the fact that we have professional baseball right in our own backyard here in Ocean County. One of the biggest stars in the game today will come back to where he started 10 years ago.

Philadelphia Phillies All Star first baseman Ryan Howard is scheduled to play in Lakewood, possibly as early as tomorrow, as he works his way back from a serious injury (a torn Achilles' tendon) that delayed the start of his season with the Phillies.

This is great news, not only for Phillies fans, who have been sorely missing the big slugger (like Sue's parents!), but also for BlueClaws fans who will get to watch a player that we saw develop from his start as a highly touted draft pick to become a Major League Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and MVP.

As of right now, the Phillies are being just a little coy, saying that he could be in Lakewood as early as tomorrow, but hey do you need more excuses to get out to some BlueClaws games? The weather is supposed to be great and as I've said plenty of times, it's the best ticket for family fun in Ocean County!