THE NEW JERSEY JACKALS PREP FOR THEIR UPCOMING SEASON

Paterson, NJ – Coming off their first playoff appearance since joining the Frontier League three seasons ago, the New Jersey Jackals are primed for success as they enter a new era at Hinchliffe Stadium.

With almost an entirely new roster led by first-year manager Albert Gonzalez, the lone Puerto Rican manager in the Frontier League, the Jackals believe they have the right pieces in place to compete for their seventh league championship.

Although this is his first full-season management opportunity, Gonzalez brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having spent eight years in MLB Partner League baseball with both the New York Boulders and High Point Rockers (Atlantic League), including a stint managing the Boulders in the 2020 All-American Baseball Challenge, he feels ready for his new challenge in New Jersey and knows exactly how to handle it.

"Coming in, I want the players to just be themselves and play their own game," Gonzalez said. "If I do that, I can get the best out of the players. Everyone has their own different styles, and we have a roster of 24 different personalities coming from all over the world. I want all of them to feel comfortable and at home here in New Jersey, and letting them be themselves allows me to do that."

While this team boasts a lot of talent, Gonzalez did not have to look too far to find it. Heading into spring training, the Jackals have 13 players from the New York/New Jersey area, and he expects them to make an impact right away.

"Every night, these players get to protect their home," Gonzalez said. "A lot of these guys grew up here and have gone on to play professionally all over the country, but they haven't gotten to do that at home. I'm excited to give them chances to represent their home state every night and play in front of their friends and family."

At the plate, the New York-native duo of Arbert Cipion and Frank Nigro, return home to do just that, and Gonzalez expects them to do damage in the Frontier League.

"These two are really exciting players that I'm happy to have here," Gonzalez said. "With Arbert [Cipion] being from Paterson and Frank [Nigro] graduating from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, players who made it far in affiliated baseball after starting out nearby, they deserve this opportunity to play at home and use this to hopefully get back to an affiliate and reach the Big Leagues."

On the mound, a pair of Felician University graduates, Michael Gutierrez and Wilfrido Valenzuela, will have an opportunity to get their feet wet as pros on the Jackals pitching staff. Having pitched just 10 miles away from Hinchliffe Stadium, they get their first taste of Frontier League baseball in New Jersey.

"I'm so pumped for these guys to make the jump to professional baseball," Gonzalez said. "They are a pair of interesting arms who have done well at the collegiate level. This is a big jump, but I think they have what it takes to do that here at home."

Last season marked their first time in the Frontier League playoffs, the Jackals have been synonymous with success throughout their 27-year history. Prior to their addition following the 2019 season, they won five championships spread across their time in the Northeast League, Northern League, and Can-Am League. When the Frontier League suspended the 2020 season, they formed the All-American Baseball Challenge and captured that crown.

In 2024, the goal remains the same: to win their first-ever Frontier League championship. However, Gonzalez wants his players to help his players reach the next level just as much.

"My brand of baseball is winning baseball, but I don't want the New Jersey to be the final place these players play," Gonzalez said. "Everyone is here for a reason and they are professionals, so they have a job to do. At the same time though, whether its getting them to an affiliate or providing winter ball opportunities, I want to help them excel and continue to climb the baseball ladder.

The New Jersey Jackals play at Historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey and are members of the professional, independent Frontier League. The Frontier League is the largest MLB Partner League with 16 teams spanning from the Mississippi River to the East Coast. To buy tickets, you can go online at www.jackals.com or call the ticket office at 973-746-7434. You can follow the team on X, Instagram, and TikTok at @JackalsBaseball and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jackalsbaseball.