Gothams, Atlantics To Play In Paterson's 19th Century Baseball Game

Game 1 is to begin at 11 a.m. The second game is to begin at 1:30 p.m.

The free event is scheduled to take place at Westside Park, 114 Totowa Ave. Parking also is free.

Players will use equipment from the period, wear uniforms typical of the 19th century and play by a set of rules established in 1864.

The game will be played in the open field located next to Paterson’s historic Van Houten House within Westside Park. While parking is available inside the park, the parking lot at nearby John F. Kennedy High School also will be available.

Anyone planning to attend the game should bring their own chairs or a blanket on which to sit. There are no bleachers at the park’s baseball diamond. The picnic tables by the pavilion will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Gothams and Atlantics are both nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the game’s historic origins across the tri-state area. In addition to playing, team members will discuss the rules of America’s pastime and how the game has changed over the years.

Those wishing to learn even more about the changes to the game can visit the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium (FOHS) throughout the day’s game. The FOHS is another nonprofit dedicated to preserving the Paterson’s historic Hincliffe Stadium.

The New Jersey Development Corporation (NJCDC) will be hosting a simultaneous public meeting in the auditorium of JFK High School from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

To learn more about this event and others, visit the town of Paterson's website. Those wishing to learn more about vintage baseball can visit www.vbba.org. The Historic Preservation Commission/Division of Historic Preservation can be reached at 973-321-1220 ext. 2263.

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