Link: Mets Block Yankees Affiliate’s Move to Newark
A view from above Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, home of the Newark Bears. Credit: Phil Hoops
Jerry Izenberg of the Star Ledger reports that on numerous occasions the New York Mets, using their territorial rights, blocked a move that would have allowed the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton Wilkes-barre Yankees, to play at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark for the 2012 season, while their own ballpark was undergoing renovations. This is an absolute must read for Newark Bears fans.
Izenberg explains that the Mets feared that the Yankees move to Newark would have deterred fans from going to games at Citi Field and describes the deal as "stone cold dead" and points out that Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo thanked the Yankees and General Manager Brian Cashman for their consideration.
I'm actually at a lose of words right now. Seriously, what a season 2012 could have been, even if it would have been for a lone year. It's no secret that attendance at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium hasn't been up to par, so to speak, over past seasons. A team stocked with top major-league ready prospects would have been like revisiting the early 20th century when future Yankees roamed the fields in Newark and could have potentially opened the door for other affiliates to move into the area. Unfortunately, like the Newark Bears of old it appears that any chance of that happening is history.
Bears Pick Up 2012 Options For 14 Players
Starting pitcher Alex Smith was one of 14 players to have his contract excerised for the 2012 season. Credit: Phil Hoops
According to the Can-Am League transaction wire, the Newark Bears have picked up contract options on a total of 14 players for the 2012 season. Of course things will likely change down the road, but it gives you somewhat of an idea idea as to the direction the team is headed moving forward.
Looking back over the past few seasons, it appears that only a few of the players whose options are picked up generally return to their ball club the following year so this is by no means a guarantee that these players will return to the Den. Keep in mind also that the Sussex Skyhawks exercised contract options on a number of their players for the 2011 season, a year in which they didn't even operate.
Below is a list of the Bears players who have had their contracts picked up for the 2012 season:
C Billy Alvino (.305/.391/.386)
C Eric McGee (.276/.329/.513)
INF Paddy Matera (.292/.378/.396)
INF Ryan Walsh (.292/.360/.412)
OF Burt Reynolds (.232/.291/.445)
OF Caleb Stewart (.281/.397/.561)
SP Alex Smith (10-3, 3.39 ERA, 56 SO)
SP Brian Parker(0-3, 3.33 ERA, 22 SO)
RP Matt Fitton (0-1, 3.43 ERA, 31 SO)
RP Kyle Morrison (3-4, 6.02 ERA, 67 SO)
RP Pedro Rivera (0-2, 11.85 ERA, 8 SO)
RP Chris Rollins (3-2, 3.72 ERA, 30 SO)
RP Anthony Pluta (2-2, 3.63 ERA, 39 SO)
CP Mikey Mehlich (1-4, 3.29 ERA, 29 SO)
Former Newark Bears GM on 9/11 From Inside The Den
The American Flag flies high above center field at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. Credit: Phil Hoops
As the tenth anniversary has come and passed it is worth noting that at one time the Twin Towers were the focal point of the outfield at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium; treating spectators to a gorgeous view. Sadly, that all changed on September 11, 2001 when hijackers flew bringing the towers down; killing thousands of innocent Americans in the process.
Ten years later Victor Rojas, former Bears general manager and current Los Angeles Angels broadcaster, offered a brief account on what is was like to watch the horror unfold from inside Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium on his Facebook page:
Newark’s Santiesteban Named Can-Am League All-Star
Newark Bears outfielder Danny Santiesteban was named a 2011 Can-Am League All-Star. Credit: Phil Hoops
Today the Can-Am League announced this year's post-season All-Star team. Newark Bears outfielder Danny Santiesteban was the team's lone representative. In 362 at-bats throughout the 2011 campaign Santiesteban hit for a team-best .326 batting average , while clubbing 13 home runs and driving in 74 runs.
To view the other All-Star recipients check out the league's press release here
Link: Daryle Ward’s Last Day at the Den
Daryle Ward tips his cap to the crowd at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Sunday. Credit: Phil Hoops / Patch.com
For more on Daryle Ward's final game in a Newark Bears uniform, check out my article for the South-Ward Patch here
Link: Tim Raines Jr. Bats Against Brockton Rox
Newark Bears center fielder Tim Raines Jr. bats against the Brockton Rox on Friday night, July 29:
Photo Highlights: Bears Cruise Past Federals, 8-4
Highlights from Wednesday night's game:
Newark Bears designated hitter Burt Reynolds hits a home run. Credit: Phil Hoops
New York Federals starting pitcher Jim Schult Credit: Phil Hoops
Left fielder Steve Detwiler clubs a solo home run for the Federals. Credit: Phil Hoops
Newark Bears right fielder Danny Santiesteban gets a base hit. Credit: Phil Hoops
New York Federals shortstop Tucker Nathans makes contact. Credit: Phil Hoops
Paddy Matera manned the hot corner for the Bears and had two hits. Credit: Phil Hoops
New York Federals right fielder Tom Maloney makes contact. Credit: Phil Hoops
Kyle Morrison struck out two batters in the eighth inning. Credit: Phil Hoops
T.J. Hose closed out the victory for the Newark Bears Wednesday night. Credit: Phil Hoops
Complete Photo Gallery available here
Categories
- RT @NewarkBears: We are gearing up for our season this spring. We want to thank all of you for your ongoing support of this ball club! # ...
- @ZOEEclipse Hahaha I miss access to my legal Pearl Jam bootlegs off that site.
- @Jgolds91 For all of the latest #Mets spring training rumors ofcourse!
- @Jgolds91 I'll be watching Geico Sports Night on SNY
- @hoopsmm Sorry but PJ > BTR anyday!
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