The Pride of Paterson is an oral history project of Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the few remaining ballparks to have hosted Negro League baseball and once home to Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Larry Doby, who broke the color barrier in the American League. After it closed in 1997 and fell into disrepair, the stadium underwent an extensive renovation and reopened in 2023, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
*Website: https://www.montclair.edu/muth-museum-hinchliffe/the-pride-of-paterson/
A photo essay documenting the revitalization of Paterson's historic Hinchliffe Stadium, built in 1932 and one of only two remaining Negro League baseball stadiums. After 25 years of vacancy, the stadium reopened in 2023 thanks to Mayor Andre Sayegh and the Paterson City Council. Once home to Hall of Famer Larry Doby, it has been transformed into a multipurpose facility for high school sports and the NJ Jackals. A new museum dedicated to Negro Leagues baseball and civil rights now celebrates the stadium's rich history and contributions.
Johnny Briggs is a former Major League Baseball player. The Eastside high school graduate lettered in three sports and widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes to ever come out of Paterson
Al Kachadurian, a 1942 graduate of Eastside High School, was the co-captain of both the football and baseball teams alongside future Hall of Famer Larry Doby. Now 101 years old, Kachadurian fondly reflects on his time at Hinchliffe Stadium, sharing memories of playing with Doby and the impact those years had on his life.
André Sayegh, Mayor of Paterson, shares his favorite memories of Hinchliffe Stadium, one of the few remaining stadiums to host Negro League baseball. Sayegh was instrumental in rehabilitating the stadium after many years of decay and abandonment.
Keith Majka, longtime Paterson business owner, vintage car show promoter, and dedicated auto racing historian, shares his knowledge and personal insights into the history of midget car racing at Hinchliffe Stadium—and the legacy of Paterson’s legendary Gasoline Alley.
Leon B. Moses, an accomplished musician, lifelong Paterson resident, and current security guard at Hinchliffe Stadium, reflects on his favorite memories of one of the last remaining stadiums to host Negro League baseball, including performing as an opening act for the legendary Sly and The Family Stone in the 1970s.
Jennifer Tiritilli Ranu graduated from Paterson Central High School in 1966, as part of the school's final graduating class. She was a cheerleader during her time there and later became a high school teacher at Kennedy High School. Today, she remains an active participant in events at Hinchliffe Stadium.
Charles J. Muth is a Paterson native and graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. In 2022, he donated $5 million to establish the Charles J. Muth Museum of Hinchliffe Stadium—an educational and cultural center located within the restored stadium.
Monae Clancy, a Paterson native and graduate of Rosa Parks High School of Fine and Performing Arts, was a multi-sport athlete at John F. Kennedy High School, competing in basketball, track, and cheerleading. In 2025, she made history as a player for the Jersey Shore Wave during their inaugural season at Hinchliffe Stadium—becoming one of the first women to play professional tackle football in Paterson and across New Jersey.
Jorge Acosta, a native of Colombia and graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, went on to play for the U.S. national soccer team and professional soccer with the New Jersey Eagles, who called Hinchliffe Stadium their home field for two seasons—1988 and 1989—as part of the third American Soccer League.
Ulana Zakalak served as the historic preservation consultant for the restoration of Hinchliffe Stadium, overseeing the careful restoration of its Art Deco tiles and ticket booth on the exterior.
Benjie E. Wimberly has served as a member of the New Jersey Senate representing the 35th District since 2025. A lifelong Paterson resident, he previously held a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly for the same district. In addition to his political career, Wimberly is a former baseball and football coach and served as the Recreation Director for the City of Paterson.
Joseph Verilla, a 1962 graduate of Eastside High School and retired educator, taught in the Paterson Public School District for 35 years. In 1997, he collaborated with the Paterson Museum and Larry Doby to curate the highly acclaimed special exhibit Larry Doby: Silk City Slugger — First in the American League.
Jimmy Richardson, a Paterson native, local historian, and author, shares his insights on Hinchliffe Stadium’s multipurpose legacy and its significance in African-American history.
Paul Schwartz, a veteran local sports writer for The Record and NorthJersey.com, recalls covering sporting events including track and field at Hinchcliffe Stadium before it closed in 1997. (Photo by Dani Mazariegos)
Ruby Cotton, Councilwoman for Paterson's Fourth Ward and an Eastside High School graduate, shares her reasons for supporting the renovation of Hinchliffe Stadium. She reflects on her memories of watching her brother and son play football there.
Skip Van Rensalier served as a social worker for Paterson Public Schools for 37 years. He authored the book Up Close and Paterson, which profiles notable Patersonians, and played a key role in developing the renowned Eastside High School marching band, the Marching 100.
Richard Polton is a Paterson native and a former student sports writer at Eastside High School who covered the annual Thanksgiving Day match-up between Eastside and Central High School. Polton has authored multiple books on the history of Paterson.
Gianfranco Archimede, Paterson’s Director of Historic Preservation, played a pivotal role in bringing Hinchliffe Stadium back to life. As one of the last surviving Negro League ballparks in the country, the stadium carries deep historical significance.
Ron Foster attended Paterson School #5, located across the street from Hinchliffe Stadium, and later graduated from Central High School before embarking on a successful career in the music industry.