Paramus Native Palestina Signs with Newark Bears

After leading the Paramus Spartans and then the William Paterson Pioneers with his strong bat and glove, Paramus native Marc Palestina will now compete with the Newark Bears as part of the Canadian American (Can-Am) League.

Predominately a first baseman, Palestina will make the move to the center of the infield as the Bears newest second baseman. In 2012, the Bears finished their Can-Am season with a 36-65 record and will look to capitalize on Palestina's .287 batting average.

The former Pioneer started in 39 of 62 games over two years after transfering from Montclair University. While at William Paterson, he finished with 24 runs scored, 24 RBI and six doubles along with a .424 on-base percentage and a .992 fielding percentage.

At Montclair, Palestina hit .275 over two years and prior to that he led the Spartans to a 25-4 record and the NNJIL championship as a senior captain in 2006. In his final Paramus season, he hit .415 with 30 RBI and 32 runs scored.

Palestina is the 35th William Paterson player to sign a professional contract with a Major League Baseball or independent team as former teammate Adam Derner of River Edge recently signed with the Normal Cornbelters. He graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

The Bears open their 2013 season at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium against the Rockland Boulders on May 17, 7:05pm. Tickets to Opening Day can be purchased HERE.

Newark's schedule includes the Boulders, Quebec Capitales, Trois Rivieres Aigles, Laredo Lemurs, New Jersey Jackels, Sioux City Explorers, Amarillo Sox, Grand Prairie Air Hogs, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, and Wichita Wingnuts.

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