DODGERS INK FORMER JACKAL
by Katie Corrado

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals have announced the signing of former player Ramon Nivar by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Nivar reported to the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double-A Southern League on June 25.

Nivar began the 2008 season with the Jackals, spending time at shortstop and in the outfield. While playing for New Jersey, he batted .221 with three home runs and 21 RBI over 23 games.

The Newark Bears of the Atlantic League acquired Nivar from the Jackals in June 2008, and he responded by lifting his batting average to .327 over the remainder of the season. He played for the Bears until his recent pick-up by the Dodgers organization. This season with Newark, Nivar batted .331 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 37 games. Primarily used at shortstop, the Dominican native batted an impressive .382 in May.

Nivar began his professional career in 1998 when he signed with the Texas Rangers organization. He made his major league debut for the Rangers on July 30, 2003. Nivar kept his spot on the big league roster into the 2004 season, playing 35 games as an outfielder for the Rangers, until being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma.

In 2005, the Baltimore Orioles acquired Nivar in exchange for former third-round draft pick Matt Riley. Nivar played seven games for the Orioles and compiled a .308 batting average.

During his major league career, Nivar hit .223 in 121 at-bats with 27 hits, 13 runs, and 12 RBI.

The 29-year-old Nivar made his debut with the Chattanooga Lookouts on June 26 in their game against the Huntsville Stars. In four games -- three at second base -- he is batting .462 (6-for-13) with a home run and three stolen bases.

Since the start of the 2006 season, Nivar is the 17th former Jackal to sign with a major league organization.

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. 2009 season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling 973-746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.jackals.com.