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!