Hinchliffe Stadium stands as a rare landmark in American sports—a Black-owned, Black-led monument to generations of athletic achievement, cultural pride, and community resilience.
Built in 1932 and recently restored, it’s one of only two stadiums left in the country that once hosted Negro Leagues baseball games.
Within these walls, icons like Larry Doby, Josh Gibson, and Monte Irvin took the field, electrifying crowds and breaking down barriers long before their names were etched into history books.
Today, thanks to the stewardship of Baye Adofo-Wilson, Hinchliffe is once again a vibrant center for sports, culture, and education in Paterson, New Jersey.
The Charles J. Muth Museum: A Journey Through Time
Inside the stadium, the Charles J. Muth Museum brings this history to life. The museum’s exhibits showcase the Negro Leagues, highlight iconic teams like the New York Black Yankees and Newark Eagles, and tell the stories of athletes who broke barriers far beyond Paterson.
Visitors don’t just see trophies and photos—they get the untold stories behind the players, the community, and the fight for equity.
School field trips immerse students in a curriculum that links baseball to the Civil Rights Movement, while family visits spark conversations across generations.
A Gathering Place for All Ages
Hinchliffe is more than a destination for sports fans. It’s a gathering place for families, a classroom for students, and a source of pride for Paterson. Concerts, festivals, and community events now fill the calendar, bringing life and business back to the neighborhood.
For older residents, Hinchliffe is a place to remember and celebrate. For young people, it’s an introduction to a heritage that’s often missing from mainstream textbooks.
A Vision for the Future
Baye Adofo-Wilson’s stewardship is ensuring the stadium’s next chapter is just as significant. His plans include:
Expanding museum programs to spotlight more Black trailblazers.
Using team partnerships to expose local kids to the full world of sports careers—from athletes and coaches to managers, marketers, and even future owners.
Making sure that every visitor, young or old, leaves with a deeper appreciation for the stories that shaped American sports—and the power of Black achievement.
Why You Should Visit
Whether you’re a sports buff, a student, or just someone who values history, Hinchliffe offers an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Sit in the stands where Pelé once played for the Cosmos. Walk through museum exhibits honoring pioneers. Take part in events that continue to build community.
Hinchliffe Stadium and the Charles J. Muth Museum aren’t just about looking back—they’re about inspiring the next generation to dream bigger, learn more, and take pride in a legacy that belongs to everyone.
