FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2003
Contact: Jim Cerny (973) 848-1000, ext. 109

Newark Bears Web Site

NEWARK, NJ, July 11-On the day that the second half of the 2003 Atlantic League season gets underway, the Newark Bears today announced four player transactions. The Bears today signed right-handed pitcher Reggie Harris, placed infielder Pete Maestrales on the Inactive List and released right-handed pitchers Al Hawkins and Tim Keinath.

The 34 year-old Harris, who has 86 games of experience in the Major Leagues, last played professionally in 2001 when he pitched for the Bears after beginning the season in Mexico. With the Bears in 2001, Harris was 1-1 with 6 saves and a 3.48 ERA in 10 games. He joins Jaime Navarro and Hut Smith as pitchers who previously played with Newark who have rejoined the club this season.

Originally a first round selection of the Boston Red Sox in 1987, Harris pitched in the big leagues with the Red Sox, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers, compiling a 2-3 record and 4.91 ERA.

"Reggie gives us a solid veteran arm to our bullpen as we make our push in the second half playoff race," said Chris Bryan, the Bears general manager.

Maestrales, the Bears starting third baseman this season, was placed on the Inactive List because the team is allowing him to play for the Greek National Team in The European Senior Championship. Maestrales, who is batting .214 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI in 56 games this season, will return to the Bears on July 22nd.

In regards to the release of Hawkins, a Newark resident who was 2-3 with a 6.99 ERA in 12 games this season, Bryan said, "We appreciate all of Al's efforts on the field, in his comeback from his shoulder surgery, and off the field, where he was a very important part of our efforts within the Newark community. We wish him nothing but the best in the future."