Earlier today three New Jersey legislators introduced the Hinchliffe Stadium Heritage Act, a piece of legislation that aims to include the Hinchliffe Stadium, located right near the falls, behind School 5, as part of the Great Falls National Park.
Hinchliffe Stadium is one of the few remaining places where the Negro league played baseball. “As one of only a handful of surviving Negro League stadiums in the nation, Hinchliffe tells the story of the struggles faced by African Americans who came north in search of economic opportunity and racial equality,” says Bill Pascrell, congressman from New Jersey’s 9th congressional district, which includes Paterson.
Robert Menendez and Jeffrey Chiesa, both senators from New Jersey, joined Mr Pascrell in sponsoring the legislation.
A host of baseball players, including Larry Doby, who were barred from playing in the major league because of their skin color, played in the stadium. “With Hinchliffe Stadium included in the park, a more complete American story can be told there,” says Mr Menendez.