NEW YORK METS’ RAUL VALDES THROWS OUT FIRST PITCH

Little Falls, NJ – On Monday night, former Jackal and current New York Mets’ reliever Raul Valdes returned to Yogi Berra Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the New Jersey Jackals contest against the Worcester Tornadoes.

Valdes, 32, made his Major League debut on April 22 when he was promoted to the Mets. The Cuban defector picked up his first career save when he tossed three shutout innings against the Philadelphia Phillies on May 25. As of May 21, Valdes is 2-2 with a 5.10 ERA in 20 appearances for New York. He has struck out 33 batters in 30 innings.

“Going back well before we acquired Raul he had a great story,” Jackals manager Joe Calfapietra said. “Now it’s a better story. Now he’s pitching in the major leagues. He’s a guy that you have a great admiration for the things that he’s done.”

Valdes appeared in 17 games for the Jackals in 2006, making 12 starts while going 7-3 with a 2.81 ERA.

Visit Jackals Journal for additional photos and information about Raul.

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.