For the first time since the team was founded in 1999 the Lakewood BlueClaws will have a new general manager when the season starts in April.

Geoff Brown, a resident of Manasquan, who was the first employee hired by the team, recently announced that he is leaving the Lakewood team to become senior associate athletic director/chief marketing officer for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. 

In a story on Minor League Baseball's website, Brown said making the move was not an easy decision. "This is a bittersweet day for me," said Brown. "For 13 years, this has been my home and my second family. Leaving Lakewood and the BlueClaws was certainly a difficult decision, but the opportunity to work for Tim Pernetti [Rutgers Director of Intercollegiate Athletics] in this new position as they join the Big Ten was something that I could not pass up."

The 2013 season figures to be a busy one for the BlueClaws. Along with hiring a new GM they will also preparing to host the South Atlantic League All Star Game. Opening Day is set for April 4 when the Kannapolis Intimidators come to town.