First Game in the Books!

Thanks to all the fans who came out to last night's home opener - it was a great success, and we hope that it is the first, of many great nights at The Den.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from the evening:

Starting line ups

Joanne Borgella singing the national anthem.

Rally & Ruppert

Let the season begin!

Memories

With the 2008 Bears home opener being merely hours away, Bears Blog asked around the front office to find out the staff's favorite 2007 home opener memories. Here are some of the responses:

Stu Smilowitz: The performance by Reggie. However, I am excited to see Rally top it this year!

Mike Luteran: The fireworks show - the first one of the season is always the best!.. and making fun of Mike Collazo

Mike Collazo: I heard that!

Stephanie Rosman: The pre-game ceremonies - even though I was really stressed out!

Stephanie Wray: Opening the store for the 1st time that season

What was your favorite memory? Post it in the comments!

Newark's Baseball History

Check out today's NY Times for this great article about the rich history of black baseball in the Newark, and the surrounding regional areas.

The Newark Bears are incredibly proud to continue the legacy of both the original Newark Bears, as well as the Newark Eagles - a former member of the Negro Leagues. The Newark Eagles were one of the most successful teams in the league and in 1946, they won the Black World Series Championship. Future Hall-of-Famers Larry Doby, Monte Irvin, Ray Dandridge, Leon Day and Willie Wells were all Newark Eagles.

Last September, Monte Irvin came to the ballpark for the Newark Ring of Honor induction.

To learn more about the history of baseball in Newark, be sure to stop by the Newark Bears History room located on the concourse behind home plate next time you are at The Den!

...and they're off!

The bus just left The Den taking the players to their first game of the 2008 season vs. The Long Island Ducks. Tonight's game in Long Island starts at 7:05 PM. However, you can listen to the Bears game on the radio by tuning into 89.5 WSOU or on-line radio by clicking here. Don't forget, the Bears open at home on Tuesday April 29th vs the Bridgeport Bluefish at 7:05.

Take Children To Work Day!

Some of the smallest members of the Newark Bears family are in the office today celebrating Take Our Children To Work Day. Kayla Benvenutti and Kevin Brandt have spent the day learning about what their parents do in the office. I am sure all of their friends are going to be extremely jealous when they find out that they got to spend the day at the ballpark! We'll make sure not to work them too hard.

New Name Plates Added!

Attention new season ticket holders! Your personalized name plate is now ready! All full season and half season ticket holders receive a permanent name plate on their seat at the ball park. How cool is that?? Season ticket holders have their OWN official seat at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

Want your own seat?? Season ticket plans are still available by calling 1-866-55-4BEAR

Justin Gimelstob Coming To The Den!

This just in! Justin Gimelstob, former ATP tennis pro, will be joining us on Tennis Night on May 9th. Gimelstob is a graduate of Newark Academy and is one of NJ's most successful athletes. On tour, Gimelstob has been known to be kind of a ham. Can't wait to see what kind of shenanigans he gets into at the Den. Thanks to the USTA-Eastern for helping to bring Justin out to the game. 

Check out this exciting Gimelstob clip!

New Outfield Signs Up!

With only a little over a week before the Bears open at home, some finishing touches are taking place all over the ball park. Currently a crew is outside updating some of the outfield signs. This new Prudential sign was hung in the newly named Prudential Picnic Den. Also, the at&t and Applebees signs in the outfield were replaced and are looking shiny and new.

Welcome Game Day Staff!

Things are really cranking down here! Over the last few days we have seen some familiar, and new faces around the ballpark. Not only have the players arrived at the Den - but things are starting to fall into place with the 2008 game day staff. The game day staff plays an integral part in offering our fans the best experience possible at the ballpark and we are working hard to make sure everyone on this year's staff is prepared to offer that.

Being apart of the Bears team, is like being apart of a big family. If you are still interested in working for the Bears this summer, a final job fair will be held on May 8th at 6:05 PM. All those attending the job fair will need a game ticket to enter the ball park. For more information, be sure to check out the Bears website.

Milburn Street Fair

Hey fans, Ruppert here. I just wanted everyone to know what I have been up to lately. This past weekend I checked out the Milburn street fair. It was a great time! I hosted a little game I like to call "Ruppert's Roulette" - and I am pleased to announce the winners:

Jake Freelund, Miriam Shapiro, Michelle Higgins, and Scott Korde. Congrats! Each of you won a set of four tickets to any Bears 2008 home game.

I will be at a ton of other events over the next few weeks - playing games and handing out prizes. Check my calendar by clicking here.
Alright well, I have to get back to work on my dizzy bat technique. See you soon!

-- Ruppert

Camera Fixed!!

Fans, get excited! Last season, the production crew suffered some bad luck. During game #4 of 2007, the on-field camera encountered some serious technical difficulties. Difficulties so intense that it took almost the entire off-season to over come. However, today we are pleased to announce that the camera has been fixed! Many thanks to our friends at Avalon RF for all their help in this effort. So fans, now when you come out to the Den there is a good chance you could end up on the famous "Kiss Cam." See you on the big screen!

Trophy Engraved!

Just in case you forgot fans, the Newark Bears are the 2007 Atlantic League champions!! It has been a great off-season showing off the trophy to Bears fans, sponsors, and the people of Newark. Yesterday the trophy returned to the front office with it's new engraving: "2007, Newark Bears" - if it wasn't official enough before, it's official now. Here's to another great season both on the field and off! Let's Go Bears!

This, is American Idol

Opening night is less than 3 weeks away, and we are all beaming with excitement. In addition to the many events that will be taking place here that night: fireworks, a special appearance by Rally, and much much more - the Bears are thrilled to have Joanne Boregella, from season 7 of American Idol performing the national anthem. Joanne hails from Hoboken, NJ and is also a plus size model.

Tickets for opening night are still available! Call 1-866-55-4BEAR for more information!

Red Carpet Ready

Attention 2008 season ticket holders: you will now be entering the ballpark in style! Our new red carpet arrived at The Den this morning. The red carpet will be set up outside Gate C to mark a special entrance and express line for season ticket holders only. There will even be a few couches set up by the special entrance for those of you who plan on getting here a little early. We are all looking forward to the red carpet's opening night debut.

If you are interested in becoming a Newark Bears season ticket holder (and having accesses to this special red carpet entrance) season tickets are still available by calling 1-866-55-4Bear - make sure you get them before opening day, April 29th!

Do You Work In the Off-Season??? - Part 1

The Newark Bears front office staff gets asked a lot of questions - what time do the gates open? who is pitching today? where can I get a hot dog? But -the question members of the front office staff are asked the most is: Do you work in the off-season??

Believe it or not, we almost work harder in the off-season then we do in-season. Designing new on-field promotions, booking groups, making sure the ball park looks great - we do it all! It is our goal to make sure the fan's Newark Bears experience is top notch.

In particular, we spend a big part of the off-season brainstorming and confirming the theme night's on the promotional calendar. Some events that we are really looking foward to this season are: Biggest Loser Night, the NJ Tolls Extravaganza, and the Starr 99.1 family night - characters from VeggieTales will be stoppping by!

Alright, well there still is tons to do - only 3 weeks until opening day at The Den!

Spring Cleaning With Tony Mo

The Harrison Weather Center's own Tony Mondaro stopped by the Den today for a little spring cleaning. Bears Blog snagged the exclusive interview.

BB: How long have you been involved with the Bears?

TM: This is my 10th season working with the Newark Bears. Over the last 10 years I have provided daily forecasts and weather updates for the ball park, as well presented constant weather surveillance of the Newark area.

I have always been a big baseball fan. However, after the MLB strike of '94 I decided to pledge my allegiance to the minors, specifically the Newark Bears. It is such a better value. Fans can have a great day here at the ballpark for $25 bucks - that won't even get you a ticket to the Majors anymore!

BB: What are you most looking forward to for the 2008 season?

TM: Another championship!!

BB: What has been your favorite Newark Bears memory over the last 1o years?

TM: Winning the first championship in 2002. I still remember the time, the place, the out - it was great.

BB: What is your favorite memory of the Bears 2007 championship run??

TM: Probably my transformation from quiet weather man to crazed fan. Make sure you post that picture of me!