Newark Bears Web Site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 13, 2003
Contact: Jim Cerny (973) 848-1000, ext. 109

NEWARK, NJ, September 13-The Newark Bears game against the Pennsylvania Road Warriors was postponed because of rain with one out in the bottom half of the first inning Saturday night at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, but not before former New Jersey Devils defenseman Ken Daneyko made his professional baseball debut playing for the Bears.

Daneyko, who retired in July after playing eighteen seasons in the NHL, signed a one-day contract with the Bears and was the team's designated hitter in this evening's game. In a driving rainstorm Daneyko led off in the bottom half of the first inning and swung at the first pitch he saw from right-hander Pat Daneker and grounded out to shortstop. The umpires called the game after Daneyko's at-bat.

"I feel like a kid again," said Daneyko. "This was a dream come true for me tonight. I have played in more Game Sevens than almost any other player in National Hockey League history and I was never as nervous as I was tonight."

The Bears saluted Daneyko's hockey career in a ceremony before the game in which he was presented with his Bears jersey by manager Bill Madlock and with a 2002 Bears Atlantic League championship banner plaque by general manager Chris Bryan.

"I really appreciate the fact that the Bears organization gave me this opportunity to live out my dream," said Daneyko. "I also appreciate all of these great fans that came out to see me tonight and who have supported me throughout my career."

Since this evening's game does not have playoff implications, it will not be made up as per an Atlantic League directive. Fans with tickets for this evening's game can exchange them for Sunday's contest or for any game on the Bears 2004 schedule next season.

The Bears will close out their 2003 season Sunday afternoon at 1:35 PM against the Road Warriors. Jaime Navarro (11-5) will start for the Bears.