BEARS INK KEARNY NATIVE MATT SMITH

NEWARK, NJ – August 15, 2007 – The First Half North Division Champion Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced they have signed left-handed pitcher Matt Smith for the 2007 season.

Smith will begin his sixth professional season after he was signed by Evansville of the Frontier League in 1998 out of Rutgers University. The Kearny, NJ native is entering his third season with the Bears after appearing in 43 games for the team between 1999 and 2000. During the 2000 season, Smith set career highs with 39 appearances, 66 innings pitched, 50 strikeouts, three wins, and two saves. In 2003 with the New Jersey Jackals of the Northeast League, he appeared in 23 games out of the bullpen, striking out 29 batters in 32.2 innings pitched.

In addition to the Bears, Smith has played for the Camden Riversharks in 2001 and the Pennsylvania Road Warriors in 2002 of the Atlantic League.

To make room for Smith on the roster, the Bears released left-handed pitcher Joe Rodriguez. In two relief appearances with the Bears, Rodriguez allowed five runs in 3.1 innings pitched.

###

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