Newark Had Eyes Set on More Than Just Gooden
By Mike Silva ~ September 9th, 2009. Filed under: Independent Baseball.
Jack Curry caught up with Newark Bears General Manager Mark Skeels yesterday to talk about the Newark Bears season under new ownership. The focal point of the article was the teams focus on bringing former big league players to Newark. This year Marlon Anderson, Carl Everett, Jacque Jones, Keith Foulke, Scott Williamson, Carl Everett, Armando Benitez, and Ramiro Medonza have donned a Newark Bears uniform. Of course Tim Raines and Mike Torrez are part of the coaching staff. Then yesterday the Newark Bears announced Doc Gooden as their new senior vice president. What’s even more interesting are some of the names that Skeels tried to bring to Newark this season. Attempts were made at Tom Glavine, Jason Giambi, Pedro Martinez and Bernie Williams.
Despite the big names the Bears are fighting the Long Island Ducks for the wild card and hold a slim half game lead. Much of the turnover could be attributed to the inconsistent play. Regardless you have to give the Bases Loaded Group, who purchased the Bears this winter, credit for trying to put out a stellar product on the field. They also had numerous gate attractions with former big leaguer’s showing up on what they called “Legend’s Sunday”.
The Bears wrap up a three game series with the Ducks tonight at Citibank Park.
Back in January I had a chance to catch up with both Mike Torrez and Tim Raines. You can download those interviews below.
