Yankees skipper Joe Torre helps Bears unveil new look
December 9, 2004 - Atlantic League (AtL)
Newark Bears News Release
Newark, NJ, Dec 9 - New York Yankees manager Joe Torre helped kick off "a great new beginning" for the Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club at a press conference today to introduce a new manager and coaching staff and unveil the team's new look, including official logo, color scheme, uniforms and web site.
Torre joined Bears owners Steve Kalafer and Marc Berson, Bears manager Chris Jones, coaches Pete Filson and Henry Cruz, Newark Mayor Sharpe James, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo, Yankees broadcaster John Sterling, Yankees executive Gene Michael and former New Jersey Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko at the event to begin the exciting new chapter for the Newark Bears.
"Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium has been a wonderful place for families and children to enjoy an exciting and affordable night out, whether they are rooting for their hometown Bears or cheering for our high school teams that play here on their field of dreams," said DiVincenzo. "This new look for the Bears will help create new excitement for the Newark Bears and is a positive change that will help the team continue to be a vital part of Essex County's scene."
At the event, Torre announced that he is purchasing a block of season tickets, which he will in turn donate to community youth.
"The Newark Bears are an example of the best that Minor League Baseball has to offer," said Torre.
"The Newark Bears have brought competitive baseball and league championships to our City since opening the Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in 1999," said Newark Mayor Sharpe James. "All of our residents are proud of the team's successes and grateful to them for their community initiatives that give back to the Bears' home town."
The new look is part of other new Bears community initiatives, including the Newark Bears Street Team, with special appearances throughout the community; the Halloween Fall Fest and costume parade; storytelling with the Newark Preschool Council and the upcoming Winter Wonderland celebration on December 15.
The Newark Bears ownership team has a proven record of success collectively owning and operating three Minor League baseball teams in New Jersey. This unique arrangement will foster cross-promotional opportunities between the Bears and other franchises throughout the season, beginning with a special opening day match up between the Bears and Somerset Patriots to celebrate the Bears new look, kicking off the 2005 Atlantic League season one day before the rest of the league.
"It's a new day in Bears territory and we couldn't be more optimistic about the new season," said Bears co-owner Steve Kalafer. "Our goal is to give the community a great sport to watch and a great way to watch it."
"This truly is the launch of a new beginning," said Bears co-owner Marc Berson. "It's America's favorite sport being played in New Jersey's largest city with the style and skill that the fans deserve."
New manager Chris Jones, a member of the 2004 Newark Bears, was selected in the 3rd round of the 1984 Major League draft by the Cincinnati Reds and played professionally for 21 seasons. During his Major League career, Jones was a member of eight different teams, including two seasons with the New York Mets. Last season with the Bears, Jones played in 79 games, hitting .313 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI.
The Newark Bears, an original member of the Atlantic League, won the 2002 Atlantic League championship. The Atlantic League, an eight-team independent Minor League, was formed in 1998 to bring a high level of professional baseball and affordable family entertainment to selected communities not presently served by Major League or Minor League teams.
Season and group tickets for the Bears 2005 season are available now by calling (973) 483-6900 or by visiting the Bears Web site, www.newarkbears.com.
• 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.
