Perth Amboy's Pennyfeather announces retirement
September 21, 2006 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ - September 21, 2006 - The Newark Bears honored their 19-year veteran outfielder Will Pennyfeather during the final home game of the 2006 season, with a special in-game ceremony. Pennyfeather, who has stated he will retire following the 2006 season, will play the final three games of the season as the Bears travel to Atlantic City this weekend.
The Perth Amboy native began his career when he signed as a non-drafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates in July of 1988, and played parts of the 1992, 1993, and 1994 seasons with the Pirates at the Major League level, collecting nine career hits in 46 at-bats. During his career, the former Syracuse football standout also played in the Cincinnati Reds, Anaheim Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers organizations, reaching the triple-A level in seven different seasons.
No stranger to the Atlantic League, Pennyfeather joins Long Island Ducks pitcher Tim Cain, and Bridgeport Bluefish outfielder Angel Espada as the only players to have played in the league every year since its inception in 1998. Cain and Espada also called Newark their home, with Cain dressing for the Bears from 1998 through 2001, and Espada in 1998. Along with the Bears, Pennyfeather played with the Atlantic City Surf, Somerset Patriots, and the Bridgeport Bluefish in the Atlantic League
"The Newark Bears front office staff, coaches, and players would like to congratulate Will Pennyfeather on his retirement," said Bears General Manager John Brandt. "We are proud to honor Will, not only for his season with the Bears, but for his tremendous 19-year career. We are glad he chose to finish on top with the Newark Bears, and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."
In addition to his in-game ceremony, the Bears also honored Pennyfeather before the game naming him the 2006 Newark Bears Player of the Year. This season, Pennyfeather ranks in the league top ten with a .295 batting average and 65 RBI. He leads the team in RBI, games played with 95, and hits with 104. He also has 19 doubles, 13 home runs, and 51 runs scored. During the season, Pennyfeather had 29 multiple hit games, including nine games with three or more hits. In 67 games played in the outfield, he had eight assists and committed no errors. His MVP season was rewarded by the league as he joined teammates Joey Cole (Bears 2006 Pitcher of the Year), Joe Gannon, and Jose Herrera, to represent the Bears in the 2006 All-Star Game on July 12 in Bridgeport.
"I would like to thank the Newark Bears front office staff, coaches, players, and fans for the opportunity to finish my career at home in New Jersey," said Pennyfeather. "Now I'm looking forward to finishing the season strong and win the next three games in Atlantic City for the fans."
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