BEARS KNOTTS SOLD TO PHILLIES; SIGN FORMER MAJOR LEAGUE OUTFIELDER RUBEN MATEO

NEWARK, NJ – July 31, 2007 – The first half North Division champion Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced they have sold the contract of right-handed pitcher Gary Knotts to the Philadelphia Phillies, and have agreed to terms with former Major League outfielder Ruben Mateo. Knotts, who becomes the eighth Bears pitcher in 2007 to have his contract purchased and third to join the Phillies organization, will report to the Reading Phillies of the double-A Eastern League.

This season with the Bears, Knotts threw 108.2 innings striking out 86 batters and posting a 7-5 record with a 2.65 ERA in 16 starts. Currently, he is ranked first in the Atlantic League in ERA, second in strikeouts and complete games with two, including a complete game 1-0 shutout against the York Revolution on July 2, and third in innings pitched. In addition, he was one of six bears this season to be selected to play in the 2007 AL All-Star Game. During his ten year professional career, Knotts has appeared in 86 games at the Major League level striking out 162 batters in 267.1 innings pitched

Mateo, originally signed as a non-drafted free agent in 1994 by the Texas Rangers is currently in his 11^th professional season. From 1999 through 2004, he appeared in 295 major league games with the Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Kansas City Royals, posting a career batting average of .250, with 106 runs scored, 89 RBI, 44 doubles, eight triples, and 21 home runs. Mateo began the 2007 season in Huntsville of the double-A Southern League, playing in 24 games scoring 14 runs and driving in 15.

With the signing of Mateo, the Bears have released outfielder Joe Jiannetti.

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Joe Montefusco

Media Relations Manager

Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club

450 Broad St.

Newark, NJ 07102

Phone: 973-848-1000 ext. 112

Fax: 973-621-0095

jmontefusco@newarkbears.com

2007 North Division 1st Half Champions