Credit 📹 Yogi Berra Stadium
Yogi Berra Stadium started in 1998 at Montclair State University as part of a larger project funded by Kmart CEO Floyd Hall, who also funded a new ice arena on campus. Hall founded the New Jersey Jackals, an independent minor league baseball team that would use the new stadium, and the venue was named in honor of Yogi Berra, a Hall of Famer and long-time resident of the Montclair area. The stadium was built to replace Pittser Field, the university’s previous baseball venue. The stadium has been the home of the Montclair State Red Hawks baseball team since its opening and later partnered with NJIT for stadium upgrades and use.
Key figures and events:
Floyd Hall:
A Kmart executive and Montclair resident who donated the funds to build both the ice arena and the new baseball stadium on university land.
Yogi Berra:
The legendary Yankees catcher for whom the stadium was named. He lived in Montclair during his career and with his family, and the stadium was named to honor his connection to the community.
New Jersey Jackals:
The independent minor league baseball team founded by Floyd Hall, which became the stadium’s first major tenant. The team moved out in 2022 after 25 years.
The home of the stadium, which replaced the previous Pittser Field.
Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center:
Also built in 1998, the museum is adjacent to the stadium and dedicated to the baseball great’s life and legacy.
The project was a multi-faceted endeavor:
A replacement venue:
The stadium replaced the university’s older facility, Pittser Field.
A professional team:
With Floyd Hall founding the New Jersey Jackals, the new stadium gained a professional tenant, bringing minor league baseball to the area.
A unique name:
The stadium was named for Yogi Berra, who was a prominent figure in the Montclair area.
A partnership:
The stadium was built on land provided by Montclair State University.
Glad to be part of this, helping out and always great working with Lindsay Berra. Ki
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