The Newark Bears: A Reason to Love Local Baseball

This past Sunday I was fortunate to attend a truly wonderful event, the Newark Bears' Second Annual Pancreatic Cancer Night. I had such a great time that I wanted to take this opportunity to share my experience and encourage residents to take in a game before the season ends. 

Walking in, I was immediately struck by the gorgeous interior of the stadium (which opened in 1999) and the cityscape that surrounds it. The beauty of this small stadium is that every seat has a perfect view of the field of action.

My eyes then focused on the sea of purple that stretched across the stands, honoring those afflicted with Pancreatic Cancer. There were shirts in memory of loved ones with supportive messages such as "PanCan for Jan" and "Always in Our Hearts," as well as others promoting the motivational "We Can Do It if We Tryathon." Additionally, the Bears sold commemorative purple bears and noisemakers.

The Bears thought of everything going into this event; the only addition I'd make would be more attendees. 

On the outfield wall reads a quote from MVP Roberto Clemente, which sets the tone of the team: "I want to be remembered as a ballplayer who gave all he had to give." And that's exactly what the people of the Newark Bears staff strive to do: everyone from the players to the ticket sellers work to assure that fans enjoy their time at the game. As soon as I approached the seats, an usher greeted me with a smile and offered assistance. At the concession stand, one employee noted that they were still recovering from working the recent Justin Bieber concert over at the Prudential Center, but this didn't prevent her from engaging customers and giving prompt service.    

The Newark Bears establishment is also rooted in baseball history. The stadium is named for the "Bears and Eagles" to acknowledge the minor international league Bears as well as the Negro National League Newark Eagles, which both played at the former Ruppert Stadium in the Ironbound. The team's mascots, Ruppert and Effa, are named after Jacob Ruppert, the 1930s owner of the Bears and Effa Manley, who owned the Eagles (making her the first female owner and manager of a professional team). 

Those who follow baseball will further appreciate this opportunity to see various players from the major league with the Bears, including Tim Raines, Jr., Eric Munson, and Carl Everett. Baseball fans of an array of teams also come together to cheer on the Bears. Some of the teams represented in the stands included: the Mets, Yankees, Orioles, Reds and the Red Sox. As a baseball fan myself, to say I was charmed the minute I heard the announcer declare "Play ball!" would be an understatement. 

Still, one of the best aspects of a Newark Bears game is its affordability. Tickets are $10 regular price and $9 for seniors, so for the price of admission for one guest at a Yankees game, a family of five can attend a Bears game. Speaking of family, a Bears game is a perfect place to bring kids. The team hosts various games on the field throughout the game for children to win prizes. (This writer was especially jealous of one contestant who won a gift certificate to Iberia restaurant.) 

The night wrapped up with the chance for kids (and a few adults) to run the bases on the field. Children from everywhere across New Jersey reveled in the chance to channel the baseball stars they admire on the field (including one in particular, who when asked said his name was "Mr. Baseball."). It's not all about winning, but the Bears did win the game with a triumphant score of 11-6. Although judging from the facial expressions of most fans in attendance, at a Bears game everyone wins.   

The Newark Bears play at the Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium located at 450 Broad Street in Newark.  For more information go to their website, www.newarkbears.com.