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03/23/2010 8:47 AM
Raines adds another arm to staff
(Newark, N.J., Mar. 23, 2010) – The Newark Bears announced today the signing of pitcher Willie Banks for the 2010 season. Banks brings nine years of Major League experience to the Bears and is a fan favorite in Newark.
“Willie is a strong, veteran arm and we are glad to have him back,” said Manager Tim Raines. “We expect continued success on the mound and for him to serve as a mentor to the younger pitchers.”
Banks enters his 19th season in professional baseball and his fourth season with the Bears. The Jersey City product appeared in 17 games for Newark in 2009 and recorded a 6.23 ERA in 28.0 innings pitched with 21 Ks.
The righty spent seven seasons with the Minnesota Twins organization and broke into the major leagues in 1991. From 1994 to 2001, he played with seven different clubs (Cubs, Dodgers, Marlins, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Mets and Red Sox). He is a two-time World Series champion with the 1991 Twins and 1998 Yankees.
The 41 year-old appeared in 181 major league games (84 starts). His best season came in 1993 with the Twins when he went 11-12 with a 4.04 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 31 games. In addition, he has played 14 seasons in minor league baseball, amassing an 82-73 record in 265 games, with 211 starts. Banks was selected by Minnesota in the first round, third overall, of the 1987 amateur entry draft.
The Newark Bears are a member of the eight-team Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. For ticket or sponsorship information, call 973-848-1000, or visit www.newarkbears.com.
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