WESTERNERS ANNOUNCE PLANS TO RETIRE FIRST UNIFORM IN TEAM'S HISTORY

The Danbury Westerners, the longest tenured team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League ("NECBL"), are proud to announce that before their home game on Friday, July 25th against the Ocean State Waves the team will be retiring its first uniform number in the team's 20 year history. Mark Malaska, who wore #15 while he played for the Westerners in 1998-99, will have his number retired.

Malaska had arguably the best season in Danbury Westerners' history in 1998, when he hit .356, with 11 home runs and drove in 40 runs. He followed that season with another stellar campaign in 1999, as he hit .317 with six home runs and 41 runs batted in. Malaska still holds many single season and career marks for the franchise. His single season records include runs scored (40), hits (58) triples (7), home runs (11), RBIs (41) and total bases (113). Malaska is the franchise's all-time leader in runs scored (77), hits (109), doubles (20), triples (8), home runs (17), RBIs (81) and total bases (196).

He earned Best Pro Prospect honors in the NECBL in both 1998 and 1999, while playing center field for the Westerners.

In 2000 while at the University of Akron Malaska transitioned into a relief pitcher. He finished his 2000 season with a 1.13 ERA while batting .326. That year he was drafted in the 8th round by the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. Malaska made his major league debut in 2003 for the Rays, sporting a 2-1 record and a 2.81 ERA in 22 appearances. In 2004 Malaska pitched for the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, sporting a 1-1 record while pitching in 19 games. He retired from baseball in 2006.

Malaska was elected to the NECBL Hall of Fame in 2010, as a member of its introductory class. He currently resides in Youngstown OH.

Paul Schaffer, President of the Danbury Westerners, commented, "The Westerners have had a very successful 20 years in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, and it is due to players like Mark Malaska, who came to Danbury for two summers to improve his baseball skills. Mark is one of over 135 Westerners who have been drafted by MLB, and one of 19 who have reached the Major Leagues. His statistics while playing in Danbury speak for themselves, and he is a most worthy honoree to have his uniform number retired. The Westerners congratulate Mark on this outstanding achievement."

The pre-game ceremony will commence at 6:15 at Rogers Park, Danbury CT.