Chris Jones introduced as manager of Newark Bears
December 9, 2004 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ, Dec 9-Former major league outfielder Chris Jones was introduced today as the fourth manager in the history of the Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club. Jones was introduced to the media and Newark Bears corporate partners at a press conference which was held at The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark.
"I am very excited about this opportunity and I can't wait to get started," said Jones, who retired as an active player at the conclusion of the 2004 season. "I have 21 years of professional baseball knowledge that I am bringing with me to this job; and I have tried to learn from everyone I have ever played for, and with."
Originally a 3rd round selection of the Cincinnati Reds out of Liverpool High School in upstate New York, Jones played for 11 different organizations and 8 major league teams in his career, including the New York Mets in 1995 and 1996. He played last season with the Bears, ranking 8th in the Atlantic League with a .313 batting average.
The 39 year-old Jones lists Dallas Green, Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker as the managers who made the biggest impression on him during his playing career.
"Dallas was a stickler for perfection and he believed in me," said Jones. "Bruce could communicate with all of the players without raising his voice, which I admired. And Dusty's ability to use all 25 men on his roster, making sure everyone had a role, impressed me."
Also introduced at the press conference were former major league lefthander Pete Filson, who will return for his 3rd season as Bears pitching coach, and Henry Cruz, Newark's new Director of Player Personnel and bench coach.
• Discuss this story on the Atlantic League message board...
Atlantic League Stories from December 9, 2004
- Chris Jones introduced as manager of Newark Bears - Newark Bears
- Newark Bears unleash new look - Newark Bears
- Yankees skipper Joe Torre helps Bears unveil new look - Newark Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
