ERIC GAGNE IN NEW JERSEY TO FACE THE JACKALS ON SUNDAY

Little Falls, NJ – The New Jersey Jackals have announced that the 2:05pm game on Sunday, July 26 will feature former Major League All-Star and Cy Young award winner Eric Gagne in action at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Gagne is scheduled to face Jackals starter and fellow Canadian A.J. Wideman, who leads the Can-Am League in earned run average (2.18) and wins (6), and ranks among the top-five league leaders in strikeouts (45) and innings pitched (66).

Gagne signed with his hometown Quebec Capitales on May 27 to work his way back into a starting role after having been converted into a reliever in 2002. With Quebec, the right-hander is 2-2 with a 6.80 ERA. Gagne has surrendered 67 hits in 46 1/3 innings over eight starts while walking 14 and striking out 19.

Despite early-season struggles, the three-time MLB All-Star has put together a few solid outings. In his last three starts, Gagne is 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 20 1/3 innings.

The 33-year-old won the 2003 Cy Young award after notching 55 saves for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gagne also owns the all-time MLB record for consecutive saves with 63.

The one-time fireballer -- who routinely touched 100mph on the radar gun in his heyday -- had also been a member of the Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers before he joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008.

The Brewers released Gagne on March 8, 2009 to allow him to rehab his sore right shoulder. It was determined after an MRI that Gagne suffered damage to his rotator cuff and labrum, and a cortisone injection followed by rehabilitation was his option instead of surgery.

During his MLB career, Gagne went 33-26 with 187 saves and a 3.47 ERA. He logged 718 strikeouts -- compared to just 226 walks -- over 643 2/3 innings.

Sunday marks the first time that Gagne will make an appearance at Yogi Berra Stadium. Quebec returns to New Jersey on August 7 for a three-game series.

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. The Jackals have clinched the 2009 Can-Am League first-half title and an automatic berth in the playoffs, which begin on September 9. Playoff and regular season tickets, mini-plans and group outings are available by calling (973) 746-7434. Visit the Jackals online at www.Jackals.com.