USA – Former Major League Baseball All-Star Tim Raines has signed a two-year contract to become the new manager of the Newark Bears. The team will introduce Raines, along with its new logo and uniform, at a press conference on December 2 at 11 a.m. at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to manage the Newark Bears in the greatest sports region in the country. Newark is rich in baseball tradition, with legends like Yogi Berra, Monte Irvin and Ricky Henderson once calling the city home,” said Raines.
“I’m proud to be contributing to that history and excited at the energy and direction the new ownership team is bringing to the Bears.”

“We are proud to have Tim Raines as the new manager of the Newark Bears. It’s a fresh start at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium and we couldn’t be more fortunate to have a future Hall of Famer leading our dugout every night,” said Jim Wankmiller, president and CEO of the Bases Loaded Group.

“Tim brings years of experience as a player and coach. His extraordinary knowledge, talent and enthusiasm for the game will continue the team’s success as we enter a new era of Newark Bears baseball.”

Raines, a former switch-hitting left fielder who played for six Major League teams from 1979 to 2002, is regarded as one of baseball’s all-time great leadoff hitters and base stealers.

In his 23-year career, Raines hit .294 with 170 home runs, 980 RBI, 1,571 runs, 2,605 hits, 808 stolen bases, 430 doubles, 113 triples and an on-base percentage of .385. He was a seven-time All Star, won one batting title and led the league in stolen bases three times and runs scored twice.

Raines comes to the Newark Bears from the Double A Harrisburg Senators, where he was a hitting coach from 2007-2008. Previously, he was a coach for the Chicago White Sox from 2004 to 2006, serving as first base coach during the 2005 World Series Championship season.

Raines began his coaching career in 2003 as manager of the class A Brevard County Manatees affiliate of the Expos, and was promoted to the major league team in 2004.

The Newark Bears Baseball Club is a professional minor league baseball team that plays in the independent Atlantic League. The home of the Newark Bears is the state-of-the-art Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium, which opened its gates to the public on July 16, 1999. The Bears have played in three league championship series, winning the 2002 and 2007 Atlantic League Championships. For more, visit www.newarkbears.com.

Media Release: Newark Bears

Tags: USA