NEW JERSEY NATIVE ECKERT ADDED TO PITCHING STAFF

NEWARK, NJ – July 20, 2007 – The first half North Division champion Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced they have signed right-handed pitcher Harold Eckert to a contract for the 2007 season. The Edison, NJ native will be in uniform Friday evening as the Bears play the second game of the three-game series against their North Division rival Bridgeport Bluefish.

Originally drafted in the 19^th round of the 1999 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Eckert is currently in his seventh professional season. While pitching for Brooklyn of the New York Penn League in 2001, Eckert ranked first in the league with nine wins and fifth with 75 strikeouts. In 2002 with Columbia of the South Atlantic League, he set career highs with 13 wins, 22 games started, 139.1 innings pitched, and 149 strikeouts. He finished that season ranked third in the league in wins and fourth in strikeouts.

The former Florida International standout has spent four seasons at the triple-A level with Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League including the first half of the 2007 season. He appeared in 16 games, 14 out of the bullpen, striking out 19 batters in 24 innings pitched.

To make room for Eckert, the Bears have placed right-handed pitcher Travis Phelps on the disabled list. This season, the former major league pitcher has appeared in ten games posting an 0-2 record with two saves, and 17 strikeouts in 22.1 innings pitched.

The Bears look to improve on their 9-4 record against the Bluefish Friday evening at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM. Gates open at 6:05 PM to Cosmetic Surgery Night presented by New Jersey Plastic Surgery featuring a Bears T-Shirt giveaway to the first 1,500 fans, courtesy of New Jersey Plastic Surgery and a post-game fireworks spectacular. All fans who mention “BOTOX” at the box office will receive a 2-for-1 ticket deal.

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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