Newark Bears
Encyclopedia
The Newark Bears are an American
professional baseball team based in Newark, New Jersey
. They are a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball
. Since the 1999 season, the Bears have played their home games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
. They were originally a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
.
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.
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.
Other notable alumi include Scott Spiezio
, Armando Benitez
, Carl Everett
, Ramiro Mendoza
, Scott Williamson
, Keith Foulke
, Jay Gibbons
, Jim Leyritz
, Daryle Ward
and Lance Johnson
.
, some hailing from Newark. The primary leader of the group was Tom Cetnar, former General Manager of the Bears in 2001, he served as President of the Newark Bears and a member of the ownership group.
. Newark was originally to be one of three cities to represent New Jersey in the Can-Am League along with Little Falls, home of the New Jersey Jackals
, and Augusta, home of the Sussex Skyhawks
. The Skyhawks, however, elected to stop operating after the 2010 season.
The Bears are also the most recent Atlantic League team to switch leagues. The Nashua Pride
moved following the 2005 Atlantic League season, and the Atlantic City Surf
followed the next year. Like the Bears, both moved to the Can-Am League. The Surf folded after two seasons in the league while the Pride franchise is now known as the Pittsfield Colonials.
The team colors of the Newark Bears are navy blue and white. The primary logo consists of a stylized bear holding a baseball bat superimposed over a depiction of the Newark skyline over a baseball diamond. The "Newark Bears" wordmark is centered at the base of the logo, and is primarily white with silver accents and black outline.
The Bears' uniforms are traditional in design, with the caps produced by The Game Headwear
and the uniforms by Under Armour
. The home cap is navy blue throughout with a white block "N" centered on the front. The home jerseys are white with traditional navy blue pinstripes. A navy blue, block "N" is prominently displayed on the left breast. The road jersey is gray with the cursive "Newark" wordmark in navy blue, centered diagonally across the front. Both home and away jersey sleeves sport the Bears' primary logo and the former Newark Eagles' logo. The Bears wear navy blue belts, socks, and undershirts with all uniforms.
Owner, Tom Cetnar decided to redesign the team's unifoms according to the original design of the 1930s-era Newark Bears. The changes were intended to allude a respectful homage to the great Bears and Eagles teams of the past.
. Since both teams play in Essex County, New Jersey
, they established the County Executives' Cup to formalize this geographical contest. Off the field, the Bears and the Jackals will collaborate in order to strengthen each teams' respective recognition in Essex County, support fund-raising projects for local charities, and coordinate educational programs to benefit area students.
89.5 from 1999–2003, and again from 2007-2008. Previous announcers for the team include Seton Hall color commentator Dave Popkin, former WNEW-FM disc jockey Jim Monaghan, MLB Network host Victor Rojas
, Somerset Patriots
announcer Brian Bender, former New York Islanders
broadcaster Jim Cerny, Ray Alexander, and Erie Otters
broadcaster Paul Roper. In 2009, longtime New York sportscaster Spencer Ross
served as both radio broadcaster and team on-field MC.
s are anthropomorphic
bears named Ruppert and Effa. They wear the team's home jersey and cap. Ruppert is named after Jacob Ruppert
, who owned the former Newark Bears team in the 1930s. Effa alludes to Effa Manley
, the first woman to own and operate a professional baseball team (the Newark Eagles) and the only female member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
.
): OF
, Retired in 2009
42 (Jackie Robinson
): 2B
, Retired throughout professional baseball on April 15, 1997
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball team based in Newark, New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
. They are a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. Since the 1999 season, the Bears have played their home games at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is a 6,200-seat baseball park in Newark, New Jersey, USA, that hosted its first regular season baseball game on July 16,1999, with former 1940's bear Yogi Berra throwing the ceremonial first pitch, as the tenants of the facility, the Newark Bears, took on the...
. They were originally a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
Atlantic League of Professional Baseball
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball is a professional, independent baseball organization located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, especially the greater metropolitan areas of the Northeast megalopolis. It operates in cities not served by Major or Minor League...
.
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 EaglesNewark Eagles
The Newark Eagles was a professional Negro league baseball team that played in the second Negro National League from 1936 to 1948.- Formation :...
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
International League
The International League is a minor league baseball league that operates in the eastern United States. Like the Pacific Coast League and the Mexican League, it plays at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It was so named because it had teams in both the United States...
from 1926 to 1949. They played their home games at the former Ruppert Stadium
Ruppert Stadium (Newark)
Ruppert Stadium was a baseball stadium that formerly stood in Newark, New Jersey, in the area now known as the Ironbound. Originally named Davids' Stadium, it was home to the minor league Newark Bears of the International League from 1926 to 1949 and the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues from 1936...
in what is now known as the Ironbound
Ironbound
The Ironbound is a large working-class neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. This close-knit, multi-ethnic community covers approximately four square miles . Historically, the area was called "Dutch Neck," "Down Neck," or simply "the Neck," because of the way the Passaic River curved to form what...
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 YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
catcher Rick Cerone
Rick Cerone
Richard Aldo Cerone from Seton Hall University is a former Major League Baseball player from 1975 to 1992 for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Montreal Expos...
, a Newark native. However, the Bears played their "home" schedule at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard
The Ballpark at Harbor Yard
The Ballpark at Harbor Yard is a 5,300-seat baseball park in Bridgeport, Connecticut that hosted its first regular season baseball game on May 21, 1998, as the tenants of the facility, the Bridgeport Bluefish, lost to the Aberdeen Arsenal. The stadium is located next to the Arena at Harbor Yard...
in Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Bridgeport is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Connecticut. Located in Fairfield County, the city had an estimated population of 144,229 at the 2010 United States Census and is the core of the Greater Bridgeport area...
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
Skylands Park
CenturyLink Field at Skylands Park is a baseball stadium located in Augusta, New Jersey. Skylands Park opened in 1994 and was built for the New Jersey Cardinals, the New York-Penn League affiliate for the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals called the park home until 2005, after which the team was...
in Augusta, New Jersey
Augusta, New Jersey
Augusta is an unincorporated area located within Frankford Township, Sussex County, New Jersey.Augusta is the home of the New Jersey State Fair and the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show....
. The Bears inaugurated their new park, Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium
Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium is a 6,200-seat baseball park in Newark, New Jersey, USA, that hosted its first regular season baseball game on July 16,1999, with former 1940's bear Yogi Berra throwing the ceremonial first pitch, as the tenants of the facility, the Newark Bears, took on the...
, in Newark on July 16, 1999.
Over the years, the Bears have succeeded in attracting star talent to their club. Ozzie Canseco
Ozzie Canseco
Osvaldo "Ozzie" Canseco Capas is a former Major League Baseball player and the identical twin brother of former Major League Baseball player José Canseco....
played for the Bears in 2000 and 2001, and his brother José Canseco
José Canseco
José Canseco Capas, Jr. is a Cuban-American professional baseball manager, outfielder, and designated hitter for the Yuma Scorpions of the North American League and former Major League Baseball player. He is the identical twin brother of former major league player and current teammate Ozzie Canseco...
was with the team for part of 2001 as well. Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henley Henderson is a former Major League Baseball left fielder who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed The Man of Steal, he is widely regarded as the sport's greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner...
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
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
, but was released at season's end, and he returned to the Bears for 2004. Also in 2003, José Lima
José Lima
José Desiderio Rodriguez Lima was a Dominican right-handed pitcher who spent thirteen seasons in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers , Houston Astros , Kansas City Royals , Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets...
pitched for the Bears at the beginning of the season; after the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
signed him away from Newark, Lima won his first seven decisions for the Royals.
Other notable alumi include Scott Spiezio
Scott Spiezio
Scott Edward Spiezio is a former Major League Baseball infielder. He is currently an infielder for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League . He is well known for his time as a member of the Anaheim Angels, when he hit a 3-run home run in Game Six of the 2002 World Series against the...
, Armando Benitez
Armando Benítez
Armando Germán Benítez is a relief pitcher who is currently a free agent.-Baltimore Orioles:...
, Carl Everett
Carl Everett
Carl Edward Everett III is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He is currently an outfielder for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. A switch hitter, he played with the Chicago White Sox on their 2005 World Series winning team...
, Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza
Ramiro Mendoza , nicknamed "El Brujo" , is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Mendoza played with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox . He batted and threw right-handed. Although Mendoza made 62 starts in his major league career, he was primarily known as a middle relief pitcher...
, Scott Williamson
Scott Williamson
Scott Ryan Williamson is a right-handed relief pitcher in the Florida Marlins organization. He has played for the Cincinnati Reds , Boston Red Sox , Chicago Cubs , San Diego Padres , and the Baltimore Orioles...
, Keith Foulke
Keith Foulke
-Career:After graduating from Hargrave High School in Huffman, Texas in 1991, he attended Galveston College and Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. He began his career in the minor-league system of the San Francisco Giants, but was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 1997 with five other prospects...
, Jay Gibbons
Jay Gibbons
Jay Jonathan Gibbons is an American professional baseball outfielder in Major League Baseball. Gibbons was a graduate of Mayfair High School in Lakewood, California...
, Jim Leyritz
Jim Leyritz
James Joseph Leyritz is a former catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball.-Early years:Leyritz attended Turpin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Middle Georgia Jr...
, Daryle Ward
Daryle Ward
Daryle Lamar Ward is an American professional baseball first baseman and outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and plays in the Minor League farm system. He has not played in the Majors since 2008. He bats and throws left-handed. The 6-foot-2, 240 pound Ward was drafted by the Detroit Tigers...
and Lance Johnson
Lance Johnson
Kenneth Lance Johnson is a retired Major League Baseball player. At the age of 24, Johnson broke into the big leagues on July 10, 1987, with the St. Louis Cardinals after being drafted by them in the 6th round of the 1984 amateur draft. In 1987 Johnson, playing for the Louisville Redbirds, was...
.
Rescue from bankruptcy and possible demise
The Newark Bears, under former owner Marc Berson, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 24, 2008. The team's existence was almost compromised until the Bases Loaded Group, LLC purchased the team, guaranteeing a $1 million line of credit to the Atlantic League. The Bases Loaded Group consisted of executives from Philadelphia and New JerseyNew Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, some hailing from Newark. The primary leader of the group was Tom Cetnar, former General Manager of the Bears in 2001, he served as President of the Newark Bears and a member of the ownership group.
Move to the Can-Am League
The Newark Bears joined the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball on October 6, 2010. The Bears will be one of three teams to join the league for the 2011 season, with the traveling New York Federals and the expansion Rockland BouldersRockland Boulders
The Rockland Boulders is an American professional baseball team based in Pomona, New York in the County of Rockland. It is a member of the Canadian American Association of Professional Baseball, also known as the Can-Am League...
. Newark was originally to be one of three cities to represent New Jersey in the Can-Am League along with Little Falls, home of the New Jersey Jackals
New Jersey Jackals
The New Jersey Jackals are a professional baseball team based in Little Falls, New Jersey, in the United States. The Jackals are a member of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
, and Augusta, home of the Sussex Skyhawks
Sussex Skyhawks
The Sussex Skyhawks were a professional baseball team that played at Skylands Park in Augusta, New Jersey. The team was part of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent minor baseball league also referred to as the Can-Am League, from their inaugural season in 2006...
. The Skyhawks, however, elected to stop operating after the 2010 season.
The Bears are also the most recent Atlantic League team to switch leagues. The Nashua Pride
Nashua Pride
The Nashua Pride were a professional baseball team based in Nashua, New Hampshire, in the United States, not affiliated with Major League Baseball. They played home games at Holman Stadium from 1998 through 2008, when they were sold and renamed the American Defenders of New Hampshire. In 2010 that...
moved following the 2005 Atlantic League season, and the Atlantic City Surf
Atlantic City Surf
The Atlantic City Surf were a professional baseball team based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Surf was most recently a member of the Can-Am League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
followed the next year. Like the Bears, both moved to the Can-Am League. The Surf folded after two seasons in the league while the Pride franchise is now known as the Pittsfield Colonials.
Logos and uniforms
The Bears' uniforms are traditional in design, with the caps produced by The Game Headwear
The Game Headwear
The Game Headwear originated as Neil's Sporting Goods in the 1960s. Initially started to equip little league and school athletic teams, the company's business greatly increased in the 1970s and 1980s...
and the uniforms by Under Armour
Under Armour
Under Armour is an American sports clothing and accessories company. The company is a supplier of a wide range of sportswear and casual apparel mainly focusing on hi-tech sportswear for professional athletes...
. The home cap is navy blue throughout with a white block "N" centered on the front. The home jerseys are white with traditional navy blue pinstripes. A navy blue, block "N" is prominently displayed on the left breast. The road jersey is gray with the cursive "Newark" wordmark in navy blue, centered diagonally across the front. Both home and away jersey sleeves sport the Bears' primary logo and the former Newark Eagles' logo. The Bears wear navy blue belts, socks, and undershirts with all uniforms.
Owner, Tom Cetnar decided to redesign the team's unifoms according to the original design of the 1930s-era Newark Bears. The changes were intended to allude a respectful homage to the great Bears and Eagles teams of the past.
Season-by-season records
| Newark Bears - 2004 to 2008 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | W - L Record | Winning Percentage | Finish | Playoffs |
| 2004 | 63-63 | .500 | 2nd in South Division | |
| 2005 | 58-82 | .414 | 3rd in North Division | |
| 2006 | 42-83 | .336 | 3rd in North Division | |
| 2007 | 72-54 | .571 | 2nd in North Division | 2-0 (won championship) |
| 2008 | 72-68 | .514 | Last in Freedom Division | |
| 2009 | 74-66 | .529 | 2nd in Freedom Division | 1-3 (lost to Somerset in Freedom Division Championship) |
| Totals (1998–2009) | 742-788 | .485 | ||
| - | ||||
| Playoffs | 7-3 | .700 | ||
- 2 Atlantic League Championships (2002, 2007)
Rivalries
Shortly after the Newark Bears joined the Can-Am League, they announced a formal rivalry with the New Jersey JackalsNew Jersey Jackals
The New Jersey Jackals are a professional baseball team based in Little Falls, New Jersey, in the United States. The Jackals are a member of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
. Since both teams play in Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the United States 2010 Census, the population was 783,969, ranking it third in the state after Bergen County and Middlesex County; Essex County's population has declined from 786,147 as of the bureau's...
, they established the County Executives' Cup to formalize this geographical contest. Off the field, the Bears and the Jackals will collaborate in order to strengthen each teams' respective recognition in Essex County, support fund-raising projects for local charities, and coordinate educational programs to benefit area students.
Radio
Bears games were aired on WSOU-FMWSOU-FM
WSOU is a non-commercial, college radio station. The station broadcasts from the campus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. It is a student-run station with university administrator Mark Maben serving as its current General Manager...
89.5 from 1999–2003, and again from 2007-2008. Previous announcers for the team include Seton Hall color commentator Dave Popkin, former WNEW-FM disc jockey Jim Monaghan, MLB Network host Victor Rojas
Victor Rojas
Victor Rojas is an American baseball broadcaster, currently the TV voice of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. -Playing career:Rojas is the son of former major-league player and manager Cookie Rojas...
, Somerset Patriots
Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are an American professional baseball team based in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey. They are a member of the Freedom Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball...
announcer Brian Bender, former New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
broadcaster Jim Cerny, Ray Alexander, and Erie Otters
Erie Otters
The Erie Otters are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League . Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, they have played their home games at the Louis J. Tullio Arena since 1996...
broadcaster Paul Roper. In 2009, longtime New York sportscaster Spencer Ross
Spencer Ross
Spencer Ross is an American sportscaster. With the exception of the New York Mets, Ross has called play-by-play for every professional New York metropolitan area sports franchise, including the Yankees of MLB, the Nets and Knicks of the NBA, and Jets and Giants of the NFL...
served as both radio broadcaster and team on-field MC.
Mascots
The Newark Bears' official mascotMascot
The term mascot – defined as a term for any person, animal, or object thought to bring luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, professional sports team, society, military unit, or brand name...
s are anthropomorphic
Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism is any attribution of human characteristics to animals, non-living things, phenomena, material states, objects or abstract concepts, such as organizations, governments, spirits or deities. The term was coined in the mid 1700s...
bears named Ruppert and Effa. They wear the team's home jersey and cap. Ruppert is named after Jacob Ruppert
Jacob Ruppert
Jacob Ruppert, Jr. , sometimes referred to as Jake Ruppert, was a National Guard colonel; a U.S. Representative from New York; and brewery owner, who went on to own the New York Yankees...
, who owned the former Newark Bears team in the 1930s. Effa alludes to Effa Manley
Effa Manley
Effa L. Manley was an American sports executive, and the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She co-owned the Newark Eagles baseball franchise in the Negro leagues with her husband Abe from 1935 to 1946 and was sole owner through 1948 after his death...
, the first woman to own and operate a professional baseball team (the Newark Eagles) and the only female member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is an American history museum and hall of fame, located at 25 Main Street in Cooperstown, New York, operated by private interests serving as the central point for the study of the history of baseball in the United States and beyond, the display of...
.
Retired numbers
21 (Roberto ClementeRoberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente Walker was a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder. He was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, the youngest of seven children. Clemente played his entire 18-year baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates . He was awarded the National League's Most Valuable Player Award in...
): OF
Outfielder
Outfielder is a generic term applied to each of the people playing in the three defensive positions in baseball farthest from the batter. These defenders are the left fielder, the center fielder, and the right fielder...
, Retired in 2009
42 (Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt "Jackie" Robinson was the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Robinson broke the baseball color line when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947...
): 2B
Second baseman
Second base, or 2B, is the second of four stations on a baseball diamond which must be touched in succession by a base runner in order to score a run for that player's team. A second baseman is the baseball player guarding second base...
, Retired throughout professional baseball on April 15, 1997