Paterson native and successful businessman Al Dorso
returns to support his roots and ignite growth and entertainment in the local community.
(Courtesy of NJ Jackals) The New Jersey Jackals, a member team of the Frontier League, a professional baseball league of 16 teams and partner league of Major League Baseball (MLB), today announced the team is relocating from Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair, New Jersey, to its new, larger home at landmark Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey.
The Jackals will kick-off a 96-game season in May of 2023 at Hinchliffe, a 7,000-seat stadium that sits on a dramatic escarpment above Paterson’s National Historic Great Falls and surrounded by the city’s national historic district—the first planned industrial settlement in the nation in 1792. Hinchliffe is also one of two remaining ballparks where the segregated Negro Leagues played in the mid-20th century. The facility lay dormant for the past 20+ years, but is now undergoing a dramatic restoration.
Al Dorso, the owner and operator of the New Jersey Jackals, along with the city of Paterson, have exciting plans to improve the Hinchliffe field and venue, align with local businesses and bring additional entertainment to the venue, such as concerts, kids camps, traveling teams, training and exhibitions, holiday events and more. The stadium improvements are part of a larger $95 million project that includes a parking garage, restaurant with museum and nearby residential complex.
“We’re thrilled to have the Jackals in Paterson and equally pleased to be working alongside Al Dorso, a visionary, change agent and proven businessman with the leadership, acumen and experience to bring additional growth, prosperity and entertainment to our local community,” said Andre Sayegh, mayor of Paterson. “This development is another watershed moment, pun intended with the Great Falls nearly adjacent to the stadium, for the city of Paterson and one that will surely act as a catalyst for new expansion, entertainment and jobs in the area.”
“I was born and raised in Paterson and even though I ventured on, I still know this town like the back of my hand and have many fond memories,” said Dorso. “This is a great opportunity at the right time in my life to give back and add to the rich history of this region. More importantly, we have approached this effort with a community-first mindset, starting with working with Mayor Sayegh and other local officials and business leaders which we plan to expand to create a true ecosystem of opportunity in the months and years ahead.”
