Can-Am New Jersey Jackals

Veteran Slugger Joe Viera Acquired from Sioux Falls

Published on April 2, 2003 under Canadian American League (Can-Am)
New Jersey Jackals News Release


LITTLE FALLS, NJ - The New Jersey Jackals today purchased the contract of third-baseman Jose Viera from the Sioux Falls Canaries of the Northern League.

Entering his eleventh season in pro ball, Viera is coming off a strong 2002 campaign with Sioux Falls. Last year the 32 year-old Viera batted .337 with 18 home runs, 34 doubles and 56 RBI. He led the league in doubles and extra-base hits, ranked 2nd in hits and was 4th in both home runs and batting average.

"I am very excited to be to add Jose Viera to our lineup," said Jackals manager Joe Calfapietra. "He's a very good player who hits for power and average and does not strike out often. I am prepared to plug him right now in to the three hole in our lineup."

Viera, a native of Puerto Rico, spent the first five years of his career playing in the Chicago Cubs organization, though injuries sabotaged his final two seasons while playing at the double-A level.

After taking two years off from baseball in 1996 and 1997, Viera has played the last five seasons in independent baseball. In 2000 he blasted a career-high 40 home runs and drove in 121 runs while splitting the season with the Atlantic League's Lehigh Valley and Somerset teams. The year before Viera smacked 23 home runs while playing for Lehigh Valley.

The Jackals begin the 2003 season on May 22nd with a home game against the Berkshire Black Bears at Yogi Berra Stadium. For ticket information, log on to www.jackals.com or call (973) 746-7434.

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Canadian American League Stories from April 2, 2003


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