Newark was a hotbed of minor league baseball from the time of the formation of the Newark Indians in 1902, and the addition of the Newark Eagles of the Negro Leagues in 1936. But in 1949 the team then known as the Newark Bears left town, and the Eagles followed in 1950. It was not until 1999 that baseball returned to the city, with the formation of the current incarnation of the Newark Bears. The team was forced to play every game on the road in their initial season, but they have since found a home at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The stadium is also known as the Bears' Den.
Currently the Newark Bears are owned by former New York Yankees catcher Rick Cerone.