Road Trip!

After work today, the front office is using our night off to check out another local team, the NJ Jackals (a member of the Can-Am League). In addition to spending some time together it is always nice to see how other teams in the area run their operation. For many of us, it will be our first visit to that ballpark, and we are all excited to check it out!

Relay in Full Swing

Hello from the Den - It is just before 1 AM. We are having a great time at the event. It has been both entertaining and emotionally moving. The ball park has truly been transformed into an arena of hope. Here are some great shots:

Live from Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium..It's Saturday! (and Relay for Life)

The day has arrived - today, tonight, and tomorrow the Bears are playing host to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The field looks great! Head grounds keeper extraordinaire, Carlos, put a pattern of the Cancer ribbon in the outfield. Check back throughout the event for updates and highlights. The event is open to the public, so be sure to stop by.

Strike Out Cancer!

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America sponsored Strike Out Cancer day at the Den this past Sunday. It was a very touching event, and the Bears were proud to be apart of it. Following the game, the CTCA lead a survivors stroll around the bases. Here are a few words from the participants..



Also, don't forget you continue to help the Bears strike out cancer this coming weekend by participating in the Newark Relay for Life. It's not too late to sign up!

Congrats are in Order!

Big weekend at the ball park and many congratulations are in order. First, Bear's Pitcher Rich Scalamandre proposed to his girlfriend on the field after Friday's game. In case you missed it, Rich put together a special slide show for the video board, and then got down on one knee. Don't worry..she said yes!

After the June 18th game, Manager Wayne Krenchicki secured his 1,000th managerial win. 661 of those 1,000 wins have come in the Atlantic League. Finally, special congrats to former bears player Val Majewski - he was picked up by the Astros organization, and is now a member of the AA Corpus Christie Hooks. Congrats to all!

Did You Know?

The city of Newark is home to more then just Bears Baseball. Many famous Americans were born and raised in this great city (we are just saying...)

Just to name a few...Whitney Houston, Shaquille O'Neill, Randy Foye, Daisy Fuentes, and Queen Latifa all have Newark roots!

Fan Cam - Special Edition

The Bears had a special guest in stadium - Jacob Lamboy. He is not just any fan. He is one of the little leaguers featured on the cover of the 2008 pocket schedule. Here is his famed photo as well as a recreation.

Chia Shaggy Update Part 3

In record time...Chia Shaggy has a full head of grass! The front office has been taking turns watering Shaggy, and rotating him towards the sun. It truly is the little things that make working in minor league baseball exciting. Good times!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

ROY G BIV! The front office staff was on hand at the ball park last night hosting a private event for the Fresh Air Fund. After a brief rain shower in the midst of the event, a beautiful rainbow emerged over center field. Check it out!

StarFish To Perform on Sunday!

Our friends from the band Starfish will be performing before the Bears game this coming Sunday June 22nd. Their performance will follow the kids clinic also taking place that morning. Bring the whole fam for a great day at the ball park!

Chia Shaggy Update, Part 2 (Literally Watching Grass Grow)

As we mentioned earlier, the front office is currently growing a Chia Shaggy. In only a few days it has already started to sprout. We can't imagine a full head of hair is too far behind.

Introducing...Mr. Newark Bear 2008, Kevin!

We have a winner. Mr. Newark Bear 2008 is Kevin! Kevin's talent, formal wear ,and Q & A was on par and scored him the crown during last night's pageant. Although the competition was fierce, Kevin wooed the judges and the crowd with a split and a one armed cart wheel on the dug out during the dance contest - that might have been what set his scores over the top. Congrats Kevin, we look forward to your reign.

Bob & Larry in the House

Bob & Larry from Veggietales arrived in the office today in preparation for tomorrow night's Star 99.1 family celebration. They said hi to general manager John Brandt, and got a tour of the ball park.

Tickets are still available for tomorrow night's event and pre-game picnic with the characters. For more information, call the hot line at 1-866-55-4BEAR!

The Bird Prevails

Even with the severity of last night's thunder storms and high winds, the crazy bird perched on the parking garage (see below) has prevailed. Reports claim that the nest is still in place and some early sightings of the bird occurred this morning. Countless trees are down, NJ transit has been running on 2 hour delays, and the ball park suffered some damage...however, the bird remains unscathed....amazing..

(photo courtsey of Gordan Forsyth...thanks!)

Rumor Has It..

Atlantic League Champion pitcher, Carlos Mirabal (#31) pitched a simulated game during batting practice this afternoon. Could he be making a return to Newark?

Cha Cha Chia (Slide)

Among one of the best gifts received during the front office holiday Yankee swamp in December was the Shaggy Chia. Sadly it has collected dust all winter - but today the face of motivation finally showed itself. It is currently in the "submerge in water for 24 hours" stage - but check back for updates on it's growth.

Speaking of Shaggy, has anyone ever noticed the similarities between Shaggy and Bears short stop Ramon Castro??

What's For Lunch?

As in many offices - figuring out what to do for lunch is pretty much the highlight of any work day here at the ball park. Here is a listing of our top 5 favorite lunch spots (in no particular order):

1. Top's Diner - Harrison, NJ
Pretty much the epitome of a NJ diner. The portions are huge, and you can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner at any time of day. Some of our favorite items are the gyro, mexi-cali salad, and hamburger!



2. Senoritas Mexican Grill - Bloomfield, NJ
The "El Cheapo Luncho" is a lunch time staple. You can get all sorts of Mexican specialties, bottomless chips, and even a dessert for a low price. The food is authentic, and even better all 2008 Newark Bears ticket backs are redeemable for a special discount!



3.The Broad Street Cafe - Newark, NJ
A local, walkable favorite - especially in the off-season because The Broad Street Cafe is home to some of the state's best chicken noodle soup.



4. Michelangelo's - Newark, NJ
This restaurant is usually reserved for special occasions. With that being said, when we go there - we go big. An office favorite is the Sunday Gravy, a Jersey classic.



5. Chipotle - Clifton, NJ
Yeah, we enjoy Mexican food. There was a point during the '07 season where the front office made a pilgrimage to Chipotle every Friday. It's a great spot for tacos, burritos, and people watching. The players have been known to stop by!



Honorable Mentions: Hinze's Deli, Attili's, Subway, Quizno's, Quick-Check, Johnny Corinos, Jim Dandy's, 2 Guy's Pizza..and much much more! What are your favorite Newark eats?

Under Attack! An Office Living in Fear...

The Newark Bears front office is under attack! There is a crazy bird perched on a electric wire above the parking garage. Reports have shown, that this possessed animal has claimed his (or her) territory since at least the 2002 season. However, in recent days the bird has become even more vicious.

Let's recap a typical attack by the crazy bird: Incidents only seem to occur when individuals are returning to their cars alone. A buzz or a loud squawk sounds, and quickly there after the bird swoops in and buzzes it's target.

Rumors of strategy are circling the office,: "if you run, it's more likely to get you." or "If you cross the street, you'll be fine."

So far, upwards of 10 Newark Bears employees and players have been affected by this bird. One can only hope his (or her) reign will come to an end shortly...

Michael Jennings Stops By!

NY Giants wide receiver Michael Jennings stopped by the Den yesterday. He spoke to the young fans on the importance of staying in school. Come back soon, Michael!

Are you the next Mr. Newark Bear?

On Friday June 13th the Bears will be crowning the first ever Mr. Newark Bear! Do you think you've got what it takes? Contestants will have to participate in a series of in-game challenges and will be judged by local pageant queens, including Ms Teen NJ USA, Michelle Leonardo! The winner takes home some great prizes, and the title of Mr. Newark Bear. Interested in participating? Contact Stephanie at srosman@newarkbears.com.

Fan Videos!

Check out this performance of the national anthem from Groovy Ruby, who came out to the game this past weekend.



If you have a video of yourself having a great time at the ballpark, be sure to submit it to us for our fan videos at info@newarkbears.com

Biggest Loser Night = Not a Loser

It was so fun meeting our special guests from the Biggest Loser last night : Kae Whang, Jenn Widder, and Maggie King. They all looked fantastic! I hope they had as much fun at the Den as we had hosting them!