TOMS RIVER, NJ - Medusas de Lakewood were unveiled by the BlueClaws on Monday at the Ocean County Library in Toms River as the team kicked off their 2019 Copa de la Diversion campaign.

Copa de la Diversion, or "Fun Cup," debuted in 2018 and connects Minor League Baseball teams across the country with their diverse local communities. At four games in 2019, beginning May 3rd, the BlueClaws will celebrate the best of Hispanic/Latino culture and heritage. This includes live music, food vendors, special promotions, and more, in conjunction with Jorge & Betty Rod of the National Association for the Advancement of Latino People.

"The Medusas de Lakewood have been in planning for months and we are thrilled to bring them to life," said Team President Joe Ricciutti. "We will be showcasing Hispanic/Latino culture and heritage from Monmouth & Ocean Counties and these promise to be some of our top games of the summer!"

The BlueClaws involvement in Copa de la Diversion is presented by Toyota World of Lakewood. 

The Medusas de Lakewood will play four games this year:

• Friday, May 3rd (7:05 pm) - Post-Game Fireworks

• Sunday, June 23rd (1:05 pm) - Kids Run the Bases

• Friday, July 26th (7:05 pm) - Post-Game Fireworks

• Wednesday, August 28th (7:05 pm)

Through the Medusas' Dia de los Ninos program, donors have given the underprivileged in Monmouth & Ocean Counties the opportunity to enjoy the four Medusas games through ticket donations. On hand Monday were donors including Morgan Stanley of Red Bank, Jose Angeles Painting & Decorating of Jackson, and Prudential. Those interested in participating in the program can do so by emailing copa@blueclaws.com or calling 732-901-7000 ext 150.

"We are grateful for the support from the community that we have already received and look forward to continued outreach as we build the Medusas into four special nights for the summer," said Ricciutti.

On hand Monday were over 60 children from Ocean & Monmouth Counties representing O.C.E.A.N., Inc. For over 54 years, O.C.E.A.N., Inc., a Community Action Agency has provided services to income-eligible residents assisting them in moving towards self-sufficiency.

The Medusas de Lakewood were born just five miles from the Atlantic Ocean and represent the Jersey Shore throughout the national Copa initiative.

The Medusa, or jellyfish, in this case, has five tentacles, with each representing a different characteristic of the Hispanic/Latino community. The five tentacles here stand for inner strength, faith, trust, family, and acceptance, all powerful and innate features of the group.

The vibrant colors including the light blue, pink and purple stand for the diversity of the community and the familial bond and affection shown throughout the Hispanic/Latino group at the Jersey Shore.

Copa Celebration Membership: The Medusas are offering a special Copa Celebration Membership Plan that includes tickets to all four Copa games, a food item (TBD) at each of the four games, and a special Dia de los Meuertos Bobblehead (note: the bobblehead must be picked up at the game on May 3rd). For more information, click here

Ticket Information: Single-game tickets for the four Medusas games are already available by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

Dia de los Muertos Medusas Bobble: There are two ways to get a Dia de los Muertos Medusas Bobblehead. The bobblehead is included with a Copa Celebration Membership that is noted above. Additonally, the bobblehead is available with a BlueClaws Membership Plan as one of the Premium Item options. For more information, call 732-901-7000 option 3 or click here

Merchandise: Medusas merchandise is already available online at BlueClaws.com and in the Claws Cove. The team has hats, shirts, and other novelties that will be available throughout the year. Click here to order Medusas merchandise online.

"We'd also like to thanks Glynis Wray and the Ocean County Library for their tremendous support of the event this morning," said Ricciutti. "We look forward to working with the Ocean County Library and others in the community throughout the year on this great program."

About the BlueClaws: The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore's top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Opening Night, presented by Jenkinson's Boardwalk, is Thursday, April 4th at 6:35 pm. Tickets are currently on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com. 

More From Shore Sports Network