The Jersey Game: The History of Modern Baseball from Its Birth to the Big Leagues in the Garden State

by James Di Clerico

New Jersey chauvinists will delight in this baseball history. The authors, employed respectively in publishing and public relations in New Jersey, begin by pooh-poohing the claims that Cooperstown, N.Y., is the game's point of origin--instead, they give the nod to Hoboken. Insofar as spotty records allow, DiClerico and Pavelec show that many professional teams played in New Jersey during the late 19th century, although these teams had only shaky local allegiances. The sole major league organization to play in the state was the Newark Peps of the short-lived Federal League. Minor league ball, on the other hand, was important until 1962, highlighted by the legendary Newark Bears of 1938, which sent every starting player to the majors. The Negro leagues loomed large, too. DiClerico and Pavelec do a fine job of telling their story. They even touch on amateur, collegiate and industrial ball, though that won't help the book sell outside the Garden State.—Publisher’s Weekly

After persuasively arguing Hoboken, New Jersey's claim as organized baseball's birthplace, two fans present the state's role in the sport. New Jersey's minor league story, the great 1937 Newark Bears, black teams, and the taste of big league play follow. A solid, judicious study written in a lively manner. New Jersey libraries will want this, while other large sports collections should consider.—Library Journal

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction

279 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jim Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of the game of baseball--at all levels--in New Jersey, my home state.

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly researched history of baseball in the state of New Jersey. Starting with the earliest accounts in Hoboken at the Elysian Fields all the way through the birth of the minor leagues in the early 20th Century and the varied affiliations with major league clubs - along with many of the stars of all professional leagues, including the Negro Leagues. There are ample charts/graphics/illustrations and detailed indices that support the text. This is an excellent resource for baseball fans from the Garden State (or anywhere) to learn of the rich and detailed history of the game that for the most part is where its first professional game was played.

[CallahansBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a Jersey guy, this is a must. If you’re a baseball person, sure! If you’re a baseball guy in NJ, it belongs on your shelf.

The role played by Hoboken, NJ in the birth of modern baseball is a fun local point of pride for those in the know.

Like any legend, the tale of the “first baseball game” can get apocryphal and then downright fictitious real quick, but the authors play the history pretty straight.

Gd bless New Jersey.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good details about latter-day baseball in Hoboken, but anybody interested in the creation of modern baseball in New Jersey would be advised to check out John Thorn's "Baseball in the Garden of Eden."

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Currently reading. Will write a review when completed.