Former Negro League Stadium in Paterson Opens After Revitalization

July 19, 2023August 8, 2023 R.L. Witter

At a time when segregation and intolerance prevented Black athletes from joining Major League Baseball, Negro League greats like Josh Gibson, Larry Doby, Monte Irvin, “Cool Papa” Bell, Judy Johnson, and Satchel Paige played at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey. Located in the Great Falls National Historic Park and one of the two remaining historically preserved Negro League stadiums in the country, a $130 million multipurpose restoration along with new senior housing and parking brings new life not only to Hinchcliffe, but the surrounding area as well. The 4,000-square foot Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium highlights Hinchliffe Stadium’s Negro League Baseball history, auto-racing, and high-school football. BAW Development CEO Baye Adofo-Wilson oversaw the redevelopment of the Hinchliffe Stadium Neighborhood Restoration Project in Paterson.

Formerly home to the Black New York Yankees and the New York Cubans, the 90-year old stadium now serves as home for the independent minor league baseball club theNew Jersey Jackals.

As in the stadium’s past, a variety of local high school and league-based sporting events, including baseball, football, soccer, track, and lacrosse will be played there. Home field to Paterson’s Kennedy High School for several sports, Hinchcliffe will serve the broader community by hosting concerts, festivals, graduations, sports camps, and other semi-pro and professional sporting events.