PERENNIAL PITCHER “PITBULL” PAVLIK RETURNS

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals have announced that pitcher Isaac Pavlik will return for the 2010 season.

"I am very excited to be back, and very thankful to be given another opportunity to play for the New Jersey Jackals,” commented Isaac Pavlik “I look forward to playing a big part in bringing home a championship in 2010 for the fans and the organization of the New Jersey Jackals."

Pavlik, a Rutherford native who enters his sixth season with the Jackals, finished the 2009 season with a 6-6 record and a 3.66 ERA. His 75 strikeouts in 110 2/3 innings pitched were fifth best in the Can-Am League. With a hot start, Pavlik earned the Can-Am League Pitcher of the Week award for the first week of the season.

“We are very excited to have Isaac back for the 2010 season,” stated Jackals field manager Joe Calfapietra. “He is a loyal and hard-working player who anyone would want as part of their club. His leadership and experience will be a great addition to the team. We look forward to having another great season from Isaac.”

Pavlik was drafted out of Seton Hall by the Colorado Rockies in the 10th round of the 2002 draft and spent three productive seasons with organization. In his first season, with Single-A Tri-City, Pavlik pitched 32 innings in 27 relief appearances and boasted a 5-1 mark with a 1.13 ERA and 32 strikeouts. After his stint with the Rockies organization, Pavlik finished the 2004 season as a New Jersey opponent with the Bangor Lumberjacks.

In 2005, Pavlik joined the Jackals and was an integral part of the pitching staff. He finished second in strikeouts with 100 over 102 innings, earning an All-Star berth along the way. He ended the season 7-5 with an impressive 3.09 ERA, which placed third in the Can-Am League.

Pavlik was so outstanding with the Jackals in the first half of the ’06 season that he was sold to the Chicago Cubs organization following another All-Star selection. He earned a 6-2 record in only 9 starts with New Jersey, and led the Can-Am with 65 strikeouts before heading to Double-A West Tennessee. Despite his first half departure, Pavlik’s 65 whiffs held up to lead the Jackals staff for the season.

In 2007, Pavlik continued to baffle Can-Am batters with a team-high 93 strikeouts over 113 1/3 innings pitched. The versatile Pavlik appeared in 26 games, starting 16, and posted an 8-5 record with a 3.97 ERA.

Pavlik finished the 2008 season with an 8-7 record and a 3.65 ERA, while his 135 2/3 innings pitched ranked third in the Can-Am. The southpaw notched 82 strikeouts to lead the team for the second straight season. Pavlik was also selected as the Can-Am League Pitcher of the Week in early August.

The New Jersey Jackals, proud members of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball, play their home games at Yogi Berra Stadium located on the campus of Montclair State University in Little Falls, NJ. 2010 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.