Newark Bears
| Newark Bears | |
|---|---|
| File:NewarkBears.JPG | |
| Information | |
| Location | Newark, New Jersey |
| Ballpark | Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Colors | red, black |
| Ownership | Marc Berson |
| Manager | Wayne Krenchicki |
| Media | The Star-Ledger |
| Website | http://www.newarkbears.com www.newarkbears.com |
The Newark Bears are a professional baseball team based in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States. The Bears are a member of the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From the 1999 season to the present, the Bears have played their home games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The team is sometimes called the "Brick City Bruins", referring to the city of Newark's nickname.
History of Newark baseball
Newark was the home of several former minor league baseball teams, from the formation of the Newark Indians in 1902, and the addition of the Newark Eagles of the Negro National League in 1936. A Federal League team, the Newark Pepper also played in 1915.
The original Newark Bears were a team in the International League from 1926 to 1949. They played their home games at the former Ruppert Stadium in what is now known as the Ironbound section of Newark.
The Bears of the Atlantic League
The Newark Bears are named for the former Newark Bears team of the International League. The team was formed in 1998 by former New York Yankees catcher Rick Cerone, a Newark native. However, the Bears played their "home" schedule at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut that season while awaiting the completion of their new home field. In addition, the Bears played several home games during the first half of the 1999 season at Skylands Park in Augusta, New Jersey. The Bears inaugurated their new park, Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, in Newark on July 16, 1999.
Over the years, the Bears have succeeded in attracting star talent to their club. Ozzie Canseco played for the Bears in 2000 and 2001, and his brother José Canseco was with the team for part of 2001 as well. Rickey Henderson played the first half of the 2003 season with the Bears and was named most valuable player in the Atlantic League All-Star Game. He was subsequently signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, but was released at season's end, and he returned to the Bears for 2004. Also in 2003, José Lima pitched for the Bears at the beginning of the season; after the Kansas City Royals signed him away from Newark, Lima won his first seven decisions for the Royals.[1]
Post-season results
- 2001: Defeated Nashua Pride, 2 games to 1; lost to Somerset Patriots, 3 games to 2, in championship round
- 2002: Defeated Atlantic City Surf, 2 games to 1; defeated Bridgeport Bluefish, 3 games to 0, for league championship
- 2007: Defeated Long Island Ducks, 2 games to 0; defeated Somerset Patriots, 3 games to 1, for league championship
Logos and uniforms
The colors of the Newark Bears are red and black, with minor silver accents. The primary logo consists of the "Newark Bears" wordmark in white and silver, outlined in black. Centered above the wordmark is the stylized depiction of a bear clutching a baseball, superimposed over the Newark skyline. The skyline is red with black outline.
The Bears wear caps produced by The Game Headwear and uniforms by Wilson Sporting Goods. The cap worn with the home uniform is red with a black brim and button, with a logo depicting a bear clutching a baseball centered on the front. The "Bears" wordmark is centered on the back of the cap in white with black and silver outline. The away caps are black with a red brim and button, with a stylized bear head cap logo. The home uniform includes a white, sleeveless jersey with black piping. The "Bears" wordmark is centered across in red with black outline. The away jersey is black with red piping, and has the "Newark" wordmark centered across in red with white outline. The Bears wear black belts, socks, and undershirts with all uniforms.
The Newark Bears also have a red alternate jersey with black piping, with the alternate "Bears" wordmark centered across in white with black outline.
The Bears changed logos and colors prior to the 2005 season. The former colors were black, purple, and metallic gold. The change was made to illustrate a tougher image representing the hardened character of the city of Newark.
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Bears' former logo, 1998-2004
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Current primary logo, 2005-present
Quick facts
- Founded: 1998
- Stadium: Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
- Uniform Colors: Red hats and white jerseys are worn for home games, while black hats and red jerseys are worn for road games.
- Logo Design: The word "Bears" in script in red with black outline superimposed over the depiction of a bear holding a baseball and the Newark skyline. The city name is centered above the "Bears" wordmark.
- Mascot: A furry, grey bear named Rip 'N Ruppert.
- Other Nicknames: Often called the Brick City Bruins.
- Current ownership: Marc Berson
- Playoff appearances (2): 2001, 2007
- Local Radio: WSOU-FM 89.5, Internet
- Current Broadcasters: Radio: Jim Cerny (home games, some road games), Ray Alexander (all other road games)
Current roster
| Active (25-man) roster | Coaches | ||||||||
Pitchers
Catchers
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Infielders
Outfielders
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Coaching Staff
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Retired numbers
42, Jackie Robinson, retired throughout baseball.
References
- ^ "Jose Lima Statistics - Transactions". baseballreference.com. Retrieved July 11.
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External links
Media
Blogs
Fan websites
Media
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Nashua Pride
2000 |
North Division Champions Newark Bears 2001 |
Succeeded by |
