NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club announced they have named former major league infielder Wayne Krenchicki as the club’s new Field Manager for the 2007 season. Krenchicki becomes the fifth manager in the history of the Bears franchise.

“Wayne Krenchicki brings knowledge of the game and a successful managerial background to the Bears,” said Bears General Manager John Brandt. “We are pleased to announce his hiring and look forward to a victorious 2007 season.”

Krenchicki has managed every season in the Atlantic League since it’s inception in 1998, including the past six seasons with the Camden Riversharks. During his time in the Atlantic League, the former Ewing, New Jersey high school standout, has become the second winningest manager in the league history with 560 victories. He led the Riversharks to the Atlantic League’s best record each season from 2002 through 2005, and was voted as the league’s Manager of the Year in 2002.

While with Camden, the University of Miami graduate won 70 or more games four times and brought the Riversharks to the playoffs three times, including a trip to the finals in 2004. Krenchicki (899-881) is one win shy from his 900th as a manager, which in addition to the Atlantic League, includes stints in the Arizona, Midwest, Texas-Louisiana, and Northern Leagues.

Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round, seventh overall, of the 1976 draft, Krenchicki enjoyed an eight year major league career with the Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and Montreal Expos. He appeared in 90 games or more five times including a career high 110 in 1983. A career .266 hitter, Krenchicki had 283 hits with 44 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, and 124 RBI.

While with the University of Miami, Krenchicki led the Hurricanes in 1975 with a .355 batting average, 32 stolen bases, and 47 RBI. He is currently tied for eighth place in the all-time Hurricanes record book with 11 triples. Krenchicki was elected to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1989.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to manage the Newark Bears,” said Krenchicki. “I look forward to the challenge of taking a group of guys and guide them to work together as a team and bring a winning tradition back to Newark. Also, being from New Jersey, it’s always exciting to coach in front of my friends and family.”

The Newark Bears will begin their ninth season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Tuesday, May 8 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. Fans attending all home games may park in the spacious parking garage located over the wall in right field. For more information and up-to-date news on the Bears, log on to the team’s official website www.newarkbears.com or call 1-866-55-4BEAR.