Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J. was built in 1932, placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2004, and restored this Spring thanks to a coordinated effort between the National Preservation Committee and a group of New Jersey officials. The significance of Hinchcliffe lies in it's roots as one of the few homes of Negro League baseball still standing. And thanks to the recent restoration, the field can preserve the memories of players past while providing an opportunity for competitors future.
The mayor of Paterson, Jeffrey Jones, told EBONY that, "Despite the challenged faced by these particular African-Americans, they gave their all. Yes, excuses were most certainly available, but I've not heard of any they have offered. Their life conditions were under greater restrictions, with fewer options and perhaps a different support system. They found a purpose; they took a stand; they played a game, Black in America."
EBONY also points out how the number of African-Americans in baseball has dipped over time, and the hope now is that Hinchcliffe can start a chain of partnerships with Major League Baseball to bring the urban youth back to the diamond, and the African-American fan-base back to MLB.
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[via EBONY]
