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New Jersey Jackals

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New Jersey Jackals
Team logo Cap insignia
Information
LeagueFrontier League (2020–present) (East Division)
LocationPaterson, New Jersey
BallparkHinchliffe Stadium (2023–present)
Founded1998
League championships
6
2020
2019
2004
2002
2001
1998
Division championships
4
2004
2003
2002
1999
Former league(s)
Former ballparksYogi Berra Stadium (1998–2022)
ColorsBlack, red, white
     
MascotJack the Jackal
Playoff berths
19
1998
1999
2001
2002
2003
2004
2007
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2019
2020
2023
Retired numbers8, 28, 4, 14, 7
OwnershipAl Dorso[1]
ManagerAlbert Gonzalez
General ManagerJohn Hunt[2]
Websitewww.jackals.com

The New Jersey Jackals are a professional baseball team based in Paterson, New Jersey. The Jackals compete in the Frontier League (FL) as a member of the East Division in the Atlantic Conference. The team was founded in 1998 by Floyd Hall and is owned by Al Dorso, a businessman who also owns the Sussex County Miners, Skylands Stadium, and State Fair Superstore. The Jackals play their home games at Hinchliffe Stadium.

They were previously members of the Northeast League, Northern League, Can-Am League, and All-American Baseball Challenge. Beginning with the 2023 season, the Jackals play their home games at former Negro leagues ballpark Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey.

The Jackals have a rivalry with their cross-Hudson River neighbor, the New York Boulders, as well as a rivalry with the Sussex County Miners. The Jackals are one of three Frontier League teams in the New York metropolitan area; the others are the Boulders and the Miners.

Team history

[edit]

1998: Inaugural season

[edit]

The Jackals were founded in 1998 and replaced the Bangor Blue Ox in the Northeast League after that franchise folded. Kash Beauchamp was named the team's first manager and they began play on May 30, 1998, against the Waterbury Spirit, where they won both games of a doubleheader.

The Jackals' first home game was played at a yet-to-be-finished Yogi Berra Stadium on June 5. Facing the Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs, New Jersey went to extra innings before winning 2–1 in the thirteenth on a home run by Gary Collum.

The Jackals finished the regular season with 53 wins, most in the league, and won the first half championship, which ensured a place in the Northeast League playoffs. They would defeat the Allentown Ambassadors in their first playoff series, then face Albany-Colonie again for the league championship. The Jackals defeated the Diamond Dogs 2–0 in a best of three series to win their first league championship.

1999–2000: Entering a new league

[edit]

The Jackals became members of the Northern League for the 1999 season after the league decided to absorb the Northeast League. The Jackals became part of the new Northern League East Division.

The Jackals won 45 games in 1999 and again qualified for the playoffs, knocking off Allentown in their first playoff matchup before falling to Albany-Colonie in a rematch of their league championship series from 1998.

The Jackals received the honor of hosting the Northern League All-Star Game in 2000. 4,211 fans showed up to watch the game, which saw the East defeat the Central Division 10–5.[3] It was one of the year's highlights, but there were not many others as the Jackals struggled throughout the season. A 31–52 record placed the team last in the division, and following the season Kash Beauchamp announced his resignation after three seasons.

2001–2004: Champions

[edit]

George Tsamis was hired to take over the Jackals for 2001. He had lost his job as manager in Waterbury following the 2000 season when the Spirit suspended operations.

The Jackals again found struggles, but managed to pull together 45 victories against 45 losses. They qualified for the Northern League playoffs for the second time in three years as a wild card and once again won their first round series, sweeping Albany-Colonie.

Shortly after the Jackals' win over the Diamond Dogs, the September 11 attacks occurred and threw the rest of the playoffs into doubt. After discussion the Northern League determined that they would continue to play and the Jackals resumed their championship quest against the Elmira Pioneers on September 17. In a five-game series, New Jersey emerged victorious and advanced to the Northern League Championship Series against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, whom they defeated in four games to win their second league championship.

2002

[edit]

The 2002 Jackals season was historic on two fronts. The first historic moment came when Jeremy Callier threw a no-hitter on August 28 against the Berkshire Black Bears, requiring a home run by Ryan Kane in the bottom of the ninth inning to make it official.

The second piece of team history saw the Jackals set a team record for victories, finishing with 62 to lead the league.

In the playoffs, however, the Jackals had problems. In the first round, they took the first two against Elmira before the Pioneers won the next two to tie the series. The Jackals emerged victorious in five games.

Then, in the Northern League East Championship Series against Adirondack, the Jackals were down to their final out in Game 5 trailing 2–1 when Dave Callahan hit a double with the bases loaded to score all three runners and give the team a 4–2 victory. The Jackals capped it off with their second straight victory over Winnipeg in the Northern League Championship Series, defeating the Goldeyes 3 games to 1.

2003

[edit]

2003 saw two major changes for the Jackals. First George Tsamis resigned to take the managerial position with the St. Paul Saints, New Jersey hired Gary SouthShore RailCats manager Joe Calfapietra to take his place. The second saw the end of the merger with the Northern League, as the Northeast League once again became its own entity. The Jackals finished 52–37 and returned to the playoffs for a third consecutive year by winning both halves of the season in their division, but were dispatched in the first round by the eventual league champion Brockton Rox.

2004

[edit]

In 2004, New Jersey improved their record to what was then the team's second-best showing in its history, winning 54 games and losing 29. However, the first half of the season required saw the Jackals end in a tie with the New Haven County Cutters, requiring a one-game playoff which New Jersey won for their fifth consecutive half-season victory. The Jackals pulled away in the second half with a 28–18 record, winning both halves for a third straight year.

The Jackals beat the Bangor Lumberjacks in the opening round of the playoffs, then found themselves in trouble against the North Shore Spirit in the league championship series. Trailing two games to none and down late in the third game, the Jackals rallied for an extra inning victory. They duplicated the feat the next day in Game 4 to tie the series, and then won the fifth and deciding game to take the Northeast League Championship. It would be the fourth league championship for the Jackals, but would be their last for over a decade.

2005

[edit]

In 2005 the Jackals joined the 8-team Can-Am League but failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2000 despite posting a winning record of 48–44. Outfielder Zach Smithlin led the league with 135 hits and a .358 batting average, while second baseman Ricardo Cordova also topped .350 and was named to the All-Star team. Pitcher Joel Bennett recorded a 2.68 ERA and an 11–2 record in his abbreviated season and also garnered All-Star consideration.

2006

[edit]

2006 saw another history-making performance as Aaron Myers threw the second no-hitter in team history, but New Jersey again missed the playoffs and—with a 43–48 record—finished with only their second losing record in team history. The Jackals’ major bright spot was veteran minor league John Lindsey, who led the team in home runs but was signed away from the team in the second half of the season. Joel Bennett and Raul Valdes both led the Jackals in wins with seven, while Isaac Pavlik and Joe Orloski each recorded six.

2007

[edit]

The Jackals returned to the playoffs as they won the Can-Am League First Half Championship in 2007 with a 31–15 record, guaranteeing them a spot in the playoffs. Their 31 wins in the first half still mark a franchise best in the first half, and second most in a half (32 in 2002). The Jackals' second half was not as strong, as they finished in last place with an 18–29 record. New Jersey took the Nashua Pride to a fifth game at Yogi Berra Stadium in their best-of-five series before losing and getting knocked out.

The Jackals’ leading hitter was returning catcher Sandy Madera, who hit .364 with 21 home runs and 75 RBI. Zach Smithlin stole 33 bases, marking the fourth consecutive year where he recorded at least 25.

After the season, Joel Bennett retired from professional baseball. He finished his final season with a 3–2 record.

2008

[edit]

The Jackals missed the playoffs in 2008, finishing 43–51.

In a ceremony prior to their game on August 22 vs. the Brockton Rox, the Jackals retired pitcher Joel Bennett’s number 28.

The Jackals total attendance in 2008 was 103,817. Averaging 2,209 per game.

2009

[edit]

New Jersey was able to ride a CanAm League record 14 game winning streak to a First Half Championship in 2009 with a 28–19 record, once again guaranteeing the team a playoff spot. The Jackals won 27 games in the second half for a total of 55, the second most in team history. Despite that, New Jersey was eliminated from the playoffs by the Worcester Tornadoes.

2010

[edit]

In 2010, the Jackals slipped in the first half, finishing fourth with a 19–27 record. The team battled back to a 23–23 record in the second half, beating out the Worcester Tornadoes by 0.5 game for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Jackals were swept by Quebec three games to none in the opening round.

2011

[edit]

The Jackals finished the regular season 57–36, the second most season wins in franchise history behind the 62 wins the 2002 team put up. Despite an impressive record, the Jackals were unable to win either half of the regular season (Quebec won both halves), and finished second of the eight teams.

On July 30, the Jackals retired Zack Smithlin's #4 jersey in a pregame ceremony.

Jackals pitcher Isaac Pavlik made a close run for the pitching triple crown, finishing the regular season atop the league in wins and strikeouts, but third in ERA.

The Jackals defeated the Pittsfield Colonials to advance to the Can-Am League Championship Series, losing again to Quebec.

2012

[edit]

The Jackals completed the season second overall with a 59–41 record. They once again faced the Capitales in the championship series, which was extended to a best-of-seven, but again lost.

Jackals 3B Nick Giarraputo was named the Can-Am League's 2012 Player of the Year.

2013

[edit]

The Jackals finished at 55–44, in second place. Quebec loomed in the league championship series again, and the Jackals rallied from three games to one down to force a seventh game which the Capitales won.

2014

[edit]

With the Newark Bears ceasing operations after the 2013 season, the Can-Am League was down to just 4 teams for 2014. The New Jersey Jackals, Rockland Boulders, Trois-Rivières Aigles, & Québec Capitales.

More inter-league play with American Association kept the Can-Am afloat, while allowing the league to maintain its own separate identity.

The Jackals hosted the St. Paul Saints, Winnipeg Goldeyes, & Lincoln Saltdogs going 4–5.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes returned to Yogi Berra Stadium on June 17, 2014, for the first time since losing the Northern League Championship to NJ on September 21, 2002. A span of 4,287 days between games.

Jackals manager Joe Calfapietra recorded his 700th managerial win on July 7, a 4–3 victory over the Capitales at Stade Municipal.

NJ visited the Sioux Falls Canaries, St. Paul Saints, & Winnipeg Goldeyes in August. Going 5–4 on the road trip.

On August 25, the Jackals eliminated rival Québec Capitales (winners of 5 consecutive League Championships) & earned themselves a 13th postseason appearance in 17 years with a 7–3 home victory. The Jackals finished one game behind the Boulders with a 55–41 record.

New Jersey lost its fourth consecutive league championship series, falling in six games to Rockland after winning the first two at home.

9/3 – Jackals 3, Boulders 2

9/4 – Jackals 3, Boulders 2

9/5 – Boulders 5, Jackals 4

9/6 – Boulders 8, Jackals 7 10 Innings

9/7 – Boulders 14, Jackals 4

9/8 – Boulders 4, Jackals 0

(Rockland wins series 4–2)

The Jackals total attendance in 2014 was 76,423. Averaging 1,661 per game.

2015

[edit]

In 2015 the Sussex County Miners & the Ottawa Champions were added to the Can-Am League.

The Garden State Grays played 60 games, & the Shikoku Island League All-Stars played 16 games.

The Jackals finished third in the league with a 54–43 in 2015, earning a playoff spot for the 7th consecutive season. New Jersey defeated Quebec for the first time in a post season series.

9/9 Jackals 4, Quebec 3

9/11 Quebec 4, Jackals 3

9/12 Quebec 11, Jackals 5

9/13 Jackals 5, Quebec 2

9/15 Jackals 5, Quebec 4

(NJ wins series 3–2)

NJ earns a fifth straight trip to the League Championship Series.

The Jackals fell to Trois-Rivières in 5 games, losing their fifth straight CanAm League championship series.

9/16 Aigles 12, Jackals 0

9/17 Jackals 8, Aigles 6

9/18 Aigles 7, Jackals 3

9/19 Jackals 7, Aigles 5

9/20 Aigles 2, Jackals 1

(Aigles wins series 3–2)

Despite winning 4 of the franchise's first five trips to a league championship, the Jackals were winless in their last five.

On July 17, 2015, the Jackals participated in the 1st ever Can-Am League Cooperstown Classic at Historic Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY. New Jersey defeated the host Rockland Boulders 9–1. Winning pitcher, Brian Ernst.

Combining the regular & post seasons, NJ plays a team record 107 games in 2015.

The Jackals total attendance in 2015 was 78,913. Averaging 1,578 per game.

2016

[edit]

In the 2016 season, the Jackals finished in first place with a 62–38 record, which tied the team record for victories in a season.

However, they lost in the opening round to the Ottawa Champions:

9/7 – Jackals 11, Ottawa 2

9/8 – Ottawa 4, Jackals 3

9/9 – Ottawa 8, Jackals 3

9/10 – Ottawa 7, Jackals 2

(Ottawa wins series 3–1)

First baseman Art Charles, however, set league records in slugging percentage, extra base hits and total bases en route to being named the 2016 Baseball America Independent Leagues Player of the Year.[4]

Jackals manager Joe Calfapietra recorded his 800th managerial win on June 6, a 19–3 victory over the Sussex County Miners at Skylands Stadium.

Jackals played the Cuban National Team in a 3-series at Yogi Berra Stadium, on June 27–29.[5]

G1 Cuba 9 Jackals 4 (7inning game)

G2 Jackals 3 Cuba 1

G3 Jackals 5 Cuba 3

New Jersey sets a Can-Am Team record with 46 triples in a season.

The Jackals total attendance in 2016 was 74,335. Averaging 1,652 per game. The lowest ever for the NJ franchise.

After the 2016 season, manager Joe Calfapietra announced he was leaving the team after fourteen seasons to take over the managerial position with the American Association's Kansas City T-Bones.

2017

[edit]

The team's bench coach, Matt Padgett, was promoted to manager in February 2017.

Al Dorso purchases the Jackals franchise in May 2017. To be operated as University Sports and Entertainment, LLC.

The Jackals begin their 20th season on May 18, 2017, with an 8–4 victory over Quebec at Yogi Berra Stadium.

NJ swept a 3-game series from a Dominican Republic squad in June. They also swept 4 from the Cuban National Team in their second appearance at Yogi Berra Stadium.

The Jackals finished at 55–45 & qualified for the playoffs for the 16th time in 20 seasons, but were eliminated by the club's fierce rival Rockland Boulders in the opening round:

9/7 – Boulders 3, Jackals 1

9/8 – Boulders 5, Jackals 0

9/9 – Jackals 7, Boulders 1

9/10 – Boulders 9, Jackals 1

(Rockland wins series 3–1)

During the 2017 season, pitcher Johnny Hellweg signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and first baseman Conrad Gregor signed with the Boston Red Sox organization.

On July 20, 2017, the Jackals recorded their 1,000th regular season win. A 9–3 victory over Trois-Rivieres. Winning pitcher, Isaac Pavlik.[6]

On August 2, 2017, Isaac Pavlik records his 1,000th career strikeout as a Jackal, during an 8–2 victory over Ottawa.[7]

The Jackals total attendance in 2017 was 91,892. Averaging 1,767 per game.

After the 2017 season, Jackals Manager Matt Padgett announced he was not returning in 2018. The team announced on December 18, 2017, that his replacement would be Brooks Carey, who had spent the previous five seasons managing the Normal CornBelters of the Frontier League.

2018

[edit]

In 2018 the Jackals finished the year with a 50–52 record. Their first losing season since 2010 ending their run of 9 consecutive post season appearances.

In a game started on May 31 and completed on July 5, NJ hits a CanAm record 7 home runs en route to a 23–8 victory over Ottawa.

On August 7, in game starting at 8:51pm, Eduar Lopez tossed the 3rd no-hitter in franchise history as the Jackals defeated the Ottawa Champions, 5–0. He faced 28 batters, 1BB, 4K's, 92 pitches.[8]

The Jackals total attendance in 2018 was 83,610. Averaging 1,706 per game.

2019

[edit]

The CanAm League commemorated its 15th season in 2019.

The Jackals opened their 22nd season in Ottawa on May 17, with a 10 inning 6–5 victory.

They won their 2019 Home opener on May 24 vs. the Trois-Rivières Aigles by a score of 4–1.

The Can-Am International Series continued in 2019. NJ played the Shikoku Island Independents & Cuban National Team for the 3rd time.

On July 3 the Jackals played in their 2,000th regular season game. Recording a 12–8 victory over Quebec @ YBS.

Following their August 23 victory over Ottawa, the Jackals qualified for their 17th post season appearance in their 22-year history.

In a ceremony before their game on August 24 the Jackals officially unveiled their POW/MIA Chair of Honor. A POW/MIA Chair of Honor is an empty seat that serves as a symbol to remind everyone to never forget our servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. The team partnered with Rolling Thunder, Inc. in the dedication.[9]

In a ceremony prior to their August 29 game, vs. the Sussex County Miners, the Jackals officially retired Isaac Pavlik's number 7.

Jackals OF Alfredo Marte was named the Can-Am League's 2019 Player of the Year.

Conrad Gregor had 49 stolen bases & 82 Walks during the 2019 season, both new team records.

NJ set a new team record with 142 Stolen Bases in 2019.

NJ finished the Can-Am regular season in 3rd place with a record of 48–46.

In the opening round of the playoffs, the Jackals defeated the Trois-Rivières Aigles.

9/4 Jackals 3, Aigles 0 @ YBS

9/5 Aigles 5, Jackals 0 @ YBS

9/6 Jackals 7, Aigles 2 @ TR

9/7 Aigles 17, Jackals 4 @ TR

9/8 Jackals 4, Aigles 3, 10 Innings @ TR

(NJ wins series 3–2)

Jackals advanced to the Can-Am League Championship Series vs. the Sussex County Miners and defeated them 3–1 to earn their first championship in 15 years.

9/10 Jackals 3, Miners 2, 10 Innings @ YBS

9/12 Miners 12, Jackals 3 @ YBS

9/13 Jackals 2, Miners 0 @ Skylands Stadium

9/14, Jackals 8, Miners 7 @ Skylands Stadium

Win 1st Can-Am League Championship, 5th team Championship.

The New Jersey Jackals franchise now has won championships in 3 different independent leagues:

(2) Northeast League 1998, 2004 (2) Northern League 2001, 2002 (1) Can-Am League 2019

The Jackals total attendance in 2019 was 76,658. Averaging 1,742 per game.

2020: Frontier League era, COVID-19 and pivot to All-American Baseball Challenge

[edit]
Main articles: Frontier League and All-American Baseball Challenge

On October 16, 2019, it was announced the New Jersey Jackals joined the 14 team Frontier League, along with the New York Boulders, Québec Capitales, Sussex County Miners and Trois-Rivières Aigles.[10] They planned to play in the 7 team Can-Am Division with the Lake Erie Crushers and Washington Wild Things.[11] The merger created the largest league in all of Independent Professional Baseball.[12] The Jackals were scheduled to open their inaugural Frontier League season on the road May 14 vs. the Florence Y'alls, with their home opener was scheduled for May 22 vs. the Québec Capitales. On April 1, 2020, the Frontier League officially delayed the scheduled start of their 2020 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 24, 2020, the Frontier League announced that the 2020 championship season was suspended due to ongoing gathering and travel restrictions in many locations.

On July 14, 2020, the Jackals announced the 6-team All-American Baseball Challenge for the 2020 season. Initially, a 32 game, 8-week regular season was reported,[13] but as games not played due to inclement weather were canceled, teams wound up playing fewer games. All games were scheduled for 7 innings and held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Jackals and the Jersey Wise Guys played at Yogi Berra Stadium. The Sussex County Miners and Skylands Cardinals played at Skylands Stadium, Rockland Boulders and New York Brave playing at Palisades Credit Union Park. On July 23, the Jackals defeated the Jersey Wise Guys 10–3 to open the season. The Jackals finished the regular season 12–10 finishing in 3rd place. They won their first playoff game in Rockland over the Boulders by a score of 11–2. On September 12, the Jackals won the Championship by defeating the New York Brave 3–2 at Yogi Berra Stadium.

2021: First Frontier League season

[edit]

In 2021, the New Jersey Jackals played their 24th consecutive season, their first as a member of the 14 team Frontier League. They were one of three teams in the Northeast Division of the Can-Am Conference along with the Sussex County Miners and Washington Wild Things. They also played the conference’s Atlantic Division teams, Équipe Québec, New York Boulders, and Tri-City ValleyCats. The Florence Y'alls were their only Midwestern conference opponent. Their inaugural games were victories on the road May 27 and at home on May 29, both against the New York Boulders. The Jackals missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018, finishing with a 39–56 record. The Jackals' total attendance in 2021 was 43,722. Averaging 1,041 per game.

2022: The final year at Yogi Berra Stadium

[edit]

In 2022, the Jackals played their 25th season. Their season began on May 13 where they defeated the Evansville Otters 9–5 on the road.[14] On September 2, pitcher Jorge Tavarez threw the fourth no-hitter in team history. This came on a 147 pitch effort in a 7–1 victory against rival Sussex County Miners at Skylands Stadium. Tavarez also set a new franchise record with 142 strikeouts in a season.[15] The Jackals set a franchise record with 127 home runs, led by outfielder Josh Rehwaldt who hit 29 home runs tying the franchise season record.[16] Shortstop Santiago Chirino, became the new Frontier League leader with 140 career doubles and 440 runs scored. The club missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season finishing with a 45–49 record. The Jackals total attendance in 2022 was 51,333. Averaging 1,007 per game, the lowest in franchise history at Yogi Berra Stadium.

On September 14, 2022, the Jackals announced that they would move to the newly renovated and former Negro leagues ballpark, Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson for the 2023 season, ending 25 years at Yogi Berra Stadium.[17][18]

2023: The Jackals' first year in Paterson

[edit]

On November 7, 2022, P. J. Phillips was announced as manager.[19] The Jackals made their Hinchliffe Stadium debut on May 21, where they defeated the Sussex County Miners 10–6.[20] Phillips led the Jackals to a 60–35 regular season record, ending a two year playoff drought. In the playoffs, the Jackals defeated the Sussex County Miners in the East Division Wild Card Game 5–0. In the East Divisional Series the Jackals would fall to the eventual champions Québec Capitales 2 games to 1. The Jackals total attendance in 2023 was 36,971. Averaging 725 per game, the lowest in franchise history.[21]

2024

[edit]

On October 16, 2023, John Hunt was named General Manager.[22] On February 20, 2024, Albert Gonzalez was named manager.[23] This season saw the Jackals miss the playoffs yet again as the team finished in second to last place in the Frontier League East Division.

Rivalries

[edit]

The Jackals–Boulders rivalry (also known as the “Hudson River rivalry” or the “Battle of the Hudson River”) is a fierce rivalry between the New Jersey Jackals and the New York Boulders. The two teams are called "cross-river rivals." This is because Clover Stadium in Pomona, New York, where the Boulders play, is across the Hudson River and less than 25 miles from the Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson (and previously, the Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls), the home of the Jackals. Fans on both sides have agreed the rivalry has become even stronger as of late, due in large part to the fact that both teams have shown much more parity towards each other. Some baseball analysts within the media have referred to them as "mirror teams" given their many similarities. Many Boulders fans have been seen burning Jackals memorabilia after Boulders' victories over the Jackals, and lighting their cigarettes with it, while exiting Clover Stadium. Jackals fans, meanwhile, enjoy making confetti which reads "Boulders suck" and handing them out during games formerly at the Yogi Berra Stadium and currently at the Hinchliffe Stadium. The Boulders–Jackals rivalry is popular among fans due to its geographic proximity, which is seen as a battle between the neighboring states of New York and New Jersey. Travel ease allows fans to typically follow their respective team across the Hudson to view away games. Fans of both teams have also shown considerable hostility towards each other's team pitchers.

The Jackals' second rivals are with the Sussex County Miners, better known as the “Battle of New Jersey”. This is due to the only two Frontier League teams playing in the same state, as well as a proximity within both stadiums. They've faced each other in the playoffs three times, the last time being the 2023 East Division Wild Card Game.

The Jackals also have significant rivalry with the Québec Capitales. Both teams are one of the oldest independent baseball teams. They both started operations in 1999, and they have both won multiple league championships in their histories. From 1999 to 2023, the two teams played in six postseason series against one another, including three times in the championship finals. The Capitales defeated the Jackals in five playoff series in franchise history.

Jack the Jackal

[edit]
Jack the Jackal

The official mascot for the New Jersey Jackals is an anthropomorphic jackal named Jack. He entertains fans and autographs souvenirs during every home game. His trademark game antics include Tackle the Jackal, T-shirt toss, the Cha Cha Slide, the YMCA, etc. Jack is popular with children who attend the games, as well as the community.

Logos and uniforms

[edit]

The official colors of the New Jersey Jackals are red and black. The primary logo incorporates several elements, including the initials "NJ" for New Jersey with the "Jackals" wordmark following the "J." A stylized baseball in white with red threading and black outline dots the "J", with a depiction of a jackal's head in red with white shadowing and black outline is centered above the wordmark.

The Jackals wear a black cap for home games and red for away. The road cap has the "NJ" cap logo centered on the front, with a baseball dotting the "J." The home cap is black with the "jackal" cap logo centered on the front with a baseball incorporated with the logo to the left. The home jerseys are white with black pinstripes with the "Jackals" wordmark centered across in red with black outline. The away jerseys are grey with the "New Jersey" wordmark arched across the front in red letters with black outline. An alternate jersey is black with red piping with the "Jackals" wordmark centered across in red with white outline. The batting practice jersey is red with black sleeves, with the "NJ" cap logo centered on the left-side chest.

Current roster

[edit]
New Jersey Jackals roster
Active roster Coaches/Other

Pitchers

  • 41 Joe Acosta
  • 26 Alex Barker
  • 85 Matt Beattie ‡
  • 24 Dazon Cole
  • 32 Reinaldo De Paula
  • -- Mike DeSanti ‡
  • 39 Andrew Kramer
  • -- Jake Kuchmaner ‡
  • 19 Chris Mormile
  • 55 Jesus Rosario
  • 30 Dylan Sabia
  • 18 Yuhi Sako
  • 12 Joe Testa
  • 11 Jalon Tyson-Long
  • 23 Danny Vazquez
  • 40 Ryan Velazquez


Utility players

  

Catchers

  • 27 Frank Nigro
  • 25 Hemmanuel Rosario
  • 22 Xavier Valentin

Infielders

  • 15 Luis Acevedo
  • 10 Fritz Genther
  • 36 Miguel Gómez
  •  3 Nilo Rijo
  •  9 Kevin Rolon

Outfielders

  • 20 Arbert Cipion
  •  5 John Daly
  •  6 Bryson Parks
  • 13 Jordan Scott
  

Manager

  • 21 Albert Gonzalez

Coaches

  • 12 Joe Testa (pitching)
  • 10 J.P. Vail (hitting)

Disabled list
‡ Inactive list
§ Suspended list

 updated July 14, 2024
 Transactions

Notable alumni

[edit]
Craig Breslow

Contracts sold to MLB organizations

[edit]
Player Pos MLB club Year
Andrés Santiago RHP Atlanta 2017
Robert Stock RHP Cincinnati 2017
Art Charles 1B Cincinnati 2016
Johnny Hellweg RHP Cincinnati 2016
Whit Mayberry RHP Washington 2016
Alex Powers RHP Cincinnati 2016
Johnny Walter RHP St. Louis 2016
Dwight Childs C Pittsburgh 2015
Peter Mooney SS Miami 2015
Gabriel Perez RHP Arizona 2014
Nick Giarraputo INF Chicago White Sox 2013
Zach Woods RHP New York Yankees 2012
Dustin Cameron RHP Philadelphia 2011
Leonard Davis OF Washington 2011
James Leverton LHP Miami 2011
Argenis Reyes INF Cleveland 2011
Chris Garcia INF Atlanta 2010
Myron Leslie INF New York Yankees 2010
Jordan Newton C Pittsburgh 2010
Stu Pomeranz RHP Colorado 2010
Argenis Reyes INF Boston 2010
Chris Garcia INF Pittsburgh 2009
Chris Maddox C Atlanta 2009
Tom Atlee RHP Milwaukee 2008
Sandy Madera C Boston 2008
Hunter Davis RHP Tampa Bay 2007
Alex Fernandez OF Pittsburgh 2007
John Lindsey 1B Los Angeles Dodgers 2007
Rusty Tucker LHP Milwaukee 2007
Mike Vicaro RHP Colorado 2007
Jason Wylie RHP Philadelphia 2007
Sandy Madera C Baltimore 2006
Isaac Pavlik LHP Chicago Cubs 2006
Randy Rapp RHP Oakland 2006
Raúl Valdés LHP New York Mets 2006
John Lindsey 1B Miami 2005

Season records

[edit]
New Jersey Jackals 1998–2023[25]
Season League Manager First half record Second half record Season record
1998 Northeast League Kash Beauchamp 30–12, 1st place South 23–19, 2nd place South 53–31
1999 Northern League Kash Beauchamp 23–19, 1st place South 22–21, 2nd place South (tie) 45–40
2000 Northern League Kash Beauchamp 17–25, 4th place South 14–27, 4th place South 31–52
2001 Northern League George Tsamis 20–25, 3rd place South 25–20, 2nd place South 45–45
2002 Northern League George Tsamis 30–15, 1st place South 32–12, 1st place South 62–27
2003 Northeast League Joe Calfapietra 28–17, 1st place South 24–20, 1st place South 52–37
2004 Northeast League Joe Calfapietra 26–21, 1st place South 28–18, 1st place South 54–39
2005 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 25–21, 2nd place South 23–23, 3rd place South 48–44
2006 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 25–20, 2nd place (tie) 18–28, 7th place 43–48
2007 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 31–15, 1st place 18–29, 10th place 49–34
2008 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 25–22, 4th place 18–29, 8th place 43–41
2009 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 28–19, 1st place 27–20, 3rd place 55–39
2010 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 19–27, 5th place 23–23, 4th place 42–50
2011 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra 27–20, 2nd place 30–16, 1st place 57–36
2012 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra No halves No halves 59–41
2013 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra No halves No halves 55–44
2014 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra No halves No halves 55–41
2015 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra No halves No halves 54–43
2016 Can-Am League Joe Calfapietra No halves No halves 62–38
2017 Can-Am League Matt Padgett No halves No halves 55–45
2018 Can-Am League Brooks Carey No halves No halves 50–52
2019 Can-Am League Brooks Carey No halves No halves 48–46
2020 All-American Baseball Challenge Jimmy Efre No halves No halves 12–10
2021 Frontier League Brooks Carey No halves No halves 39–56
2022 Frontier League Brooks Carey No halves No halves 45–49
2023 Frontier League P. J. Phillips No halves No halves 60–35
2024 Frontier League Albert Gonzalez No halves No halves 35–61

All-time team records

[edit]

Players in italics are still active.

Individual batting

[edit]

Frontier League records#

Can-Am League records*

Individual pitching

[edit]

Can-Am League records*

Team records

[edit]

Team batting

Highest Batting Average, season .297 (2023)

Most hits, season 1012* (2012)

Most runs scored, season 700# (2023)

Most doubles, season 190 (2016)

Most triples, season 46* (2016)

Most Home runs, season 195# (2023)

Most extra base hits, season 349 (2023)

Most RBI's, season 655# (2023)

Most Total Bases, season 1704# (2023)

Most BB’s, season 501# (2023)

Team pitching-

Most strikeouts, season 866* (2017)

Most shutouts, season 13 tie (2011)

Frontier League records#

Can-Am League records*

Statistics are as of the end of the 2023 season.[26]

Postseason records

[edit]

The Jackals have participated in 119 games in 30 postseason series. They have an overall playoff record of 62 wins and 57 losses.

Postseason Records[25]
Year Opening round League championship Northern League championship
1998 Defeated Allentown Ambassadors, 2 games to 0 Def. Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs, 2 games to 0
1999 Defeated Allentown Ambassadors, 3 games to 0 Lost to Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs, 3 games to 1
2001 Defeated Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs, 3 games to 0 Def. Elmira Pioneers, 3 games to 2 Def. Winnipeg Goldeyes, 3 games to 1
2002 Defeated Elmira Pioneers, 3 games to 2 Def. Adirondack Lumberjacks, 3 games to 2 Def. Winnipeg Goldeyes, 3 games to 1
2003 Lost to Brockton Rox, 3 games to 1
2004 Defeated Bangor Lumberjacks, 3 games to 1 Def. North Shore Spirit, 3 games to 2
2007 Lost to Nashua Pride, 3 games to 2
2009 Lost to Worcester Tornadoes, 3 games to 0
2010 Lost to Québec Capitales, 3 games to 0
2011 Defeated Pittsfield Colonials, 3 games to 0 Lost to Québec Capitales, 3 games to 1
2012 Lost to Québec Capitales, 4 games to 3
2013 Lost to Québec Capitales, 4 games to 1
2014 Lost to Rockland Boulders, 4 games to 2
2015 Defeated Québec Capitales, 3 games to 2 Lost to Trois-Rivières Aigles, 3 games to 2
2016 Lost to Ottawa Champions, 3 games to 1
2017 Lost to Rockland Boulders, 3 games to 1
2019 Defeated Trois-Rivières Aigles, 3 games to 2 Defeated Sussex County Miners, 3 games to 1
2020 Defeated Rockland Boulders, 11–2 Defeated New York Brave, 3–2
2023 Lost to Québec Capitales, 2 games to 1

Broadcast homes

[edit]

Jackals games are broadcast via video stream at Flosports.tv[27] and an internet-only audio broadcast at Mixlr.[28]

When the Jackals began in 1998, games were carried over Seton Hall University's WSOU. After a season there, the team moved to commercial station WMTR, an oldies station in Morristown. They also were heard on WJUX-FM, a New York-based standards station, ending their run on commercial radio in 2002. For this entire stretch, Jim Cerny was the voice of the Jackals. Kevin Burkhardt was also one of the Jackals play-by-play voices.[29]

WPSC-FM, the on-campus radio station for William Paterson University, took broadcast rights in 2003 and kept them until 2006. The original broadcast team consisted of Darren Cooper on play-by-play with Joe Ameruoso as color commentator. Cooper left the broadcast after the season, and Tony Colucci was added as color man to take over for the promoted Ameruoso. Beginning in 2005, Ameruoso did the broadcasts by himself and continued to do so after the broadcasts became web exclusive in 2007, continuing in the role for several more years until his eventual departure.

Other broadcasters in team history include Cody Chrusciel in 2011, Corey Scheiner and Mia O'Brien in 2012. Michael Cohen broadcast games from 2013-2016. Alex Cammarata from 2017-19. Starting in the 2020 season, Reed Keller took the reins, and is the current voice of the franchise.

Career pitching leaders

[edit]
Seasons played
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 13
Joel Bennett 7
Aaron Myers 5
Kevin Pincavitch 4
Mike Vicaro 4
Paul Magrini 3
Josh Brey* 3
Fernando Cruz 3
A.J. Wideman* 3
Shaun Ellis 3
Andy High* 3
Rusty Tucker* 3
Evan DeLuca* 3
Ryan Fennell 3
Josh Brinkley 3
Games started
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 197
Joel Bennett 100
Aaron Myers 83
Kevin Pincavitch 46
Josh Brey* 44
Paul Magrini 43
A.J. Wideman* 39
Lee Sosa 37
Jackson Crowther 37
Joe Orloski 36
Wins
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 100
Joel Bennett 59
Aaron Myers 37
Kevin Pincavitch 23
A.J. Wideman* 21
Mike Bertotti* 19
Lee Sosa 18
Paul Magrini 17
Mike Vicaro 16
Gabe Perez 16
Innings pitched
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 1305+1⁄3
Joel Bennett 660
Aaron Myers 543
Kevin Pincavitch 334+1⁄3
Joe Orloski 264
Paul Magrini 255
Lee Sosa 235+2⁄3
Josh Brey* 234+2⁄3
A.J. Wideman* 234+1⁄3
Jackson Crowther 228+1⁄3
Strikeouts
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 1019
Joel Bennett 632
Aaron Myers 418
Kevin Pincavitch 279
Mike Bertotti* 196
Stephen Fox 192
Lee Sosa 191
Paul Magrini 185
Mike Vicaro 178
Jackson Crowther 172
Complete games
Player Statistic
Isaac Pavlik* 18
Joel Bennett 15
Aaron Myers 13
Kevin Pincavitch 11
Paul Magrini 8
Steve Fish 6
Mike Bertotti* 5
Josh Brey* 4
Jackson Crowther 4
Joe Orloski 4
John DeSilva 4
Saves
Player Statistic
Rusty Tucker* 59
Keith Cantwell 33
Mike Hartung 29
Salvador Sanchez 25
Fabricio Benitez 21
Hector Nelo 21
Johnny Hellweg 20
Romas Hicks 19
Jeff Gogal* 18
Fernando Cruz 12

Retired jerseys

[edit]

The Jackals have retired the following five numbers:

  • 8 for Yogi Berra, the former New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher and resident of Montclair, New Jersey for whom the Jackals' former home stadium was named. The Jackals have never issued the number.
  • 28 for pitcher Joel Bennett. He joined the Jackals in 2001 and pitched for the team until 2007, recording 59 wins as a starter, and was a member of the 2001, 2002, and 2004 league champion teams. Retired in 2008.
  • 4 for outfielder/second baseman Zach Smithlin. He played for the Jackals from 2004 until 2009 and is the team’s all time leader in hits, games played, runs scored, walks and stolen bases. Retired in 2011.
  • 14 for Ed Ott, former MLB catcher and Jackals pitching coach. Ott served as Joe Calfapietra's pitching coach for two separate stints, first from 2007 through 2009 and the second between 2011 and 2014.
  • 7 for pitcher Isaac Pavlik. Joining the Jackals in 2005, he pitched with them until 2017, recording 100 total victories and setting many of the team's pitching records. Retired in 2019.

Anniversary teams

[edit]
5th Anniversary Team
Position Player
First base D.C. Olsen (1998–1999)
Second base Essex Burton (1999)
Third base Ryan Kane (2001–2002)
Shortstop Saul Bustos (1998)
Catcher Mike Church (2001)
Designated hitter David Kennedy (2001–2002)
Outfielders Trey Beamon (2001)
Carmine Cappuccio (1999)
Pete Rose Jr. (1998–1999)
Starting pitchers Joel Bennett (2001–2002)
Mike Bertotti (2001–2002)
Steve Fish (2001–2002)
Paul Magrini (1998–2000)
Kevin Pincavitch (1998–2001)
Relief pitchers Jon Hand (2001)
Mike Hartung (1998–1999)
Andy High (1998–2000)
Todd Meady (2001–2002)
Matt Wagner (2001)
10th Anniversary Team
Position First Team Players Second Team Players
First base D.C. Olsen (1998–1999) Dave Callahan (2002)
Second base Craig Conway (2001–2005) Essex Burton (1999)
Third base Ryan Kane (2001–2002) Wilton Veras (2004)
Shortstop Chas Terni (2001–2002) Chris Rowan (2003–2005)
Catcher Mike Church (2001) Josh Brinkley (1998–2000)
Designated hitter David Kennedy (2001–2002) John Lindsey (2005–2006)
Outfielders Travis Bailey (2002–2003) Aaron Fera (2001)
Carmine Cappuccio (1999) Trey Beamon (2001)
Zack Smithlin (2004–2007) Billy Rich (2002)
Starting pitchers Joel Bennett (2001–2007) Jackson Crowther (2003–2004)
Mike Bertotti (2001–2002) Josh Brey (2005–2007)
Steve Fish (2001–2002) Trevor Marcotte (2003–2004)
Aaron Myers (2002–2006) Paul Magrini (1998–2000)
Kevin Pincavitch (1998–2001) Isaac Pavlik (2005–2007)
Relief pitchers Mike Hartung (1998–1999) Ryan Halla (2002)
Ben Grezlovski (2003–2004) Scott Allan (2001–2002)
Matt Wagner (2001) Jon Hand (2001)
Andy High (1998–2000) Todd Meady (2001–2002)
Julio Perez (2003, 2005) Fabricio Benitez (2004–2005)
Utility Kevin Grijak (2003–2004) John Anderson (2003–2004)
Manager George Tsamis (2001–2002) Joe Calfapietra (2003–2007)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "New Jersey Jackals Announce New Owner". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. May 25, 2017. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  2. ^ "Jackals Name New General Manager". Jackals.com. New Jersey Jackals. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  3. ^ "nlfan.com: Northern League 2000 All Star Game Box Score". www.nlfan.com.
  4. ^ Cooper, J.J. (October 14, 2016). "Art Charles Regains His Swing—And Confidence—In Jersey". Baseball America. Retrieved December 6, 2016.
  5. ^ Araton, Harvey (June 30, 2016). "Competing on Good-Will Tour in U.S., a Cuban Team Sends Mixed Signals". The New York Times. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  6. ^ "Jackals Reach 1,000 Franchise wins". NJJackals. Pointstreak.com. July 21, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  7. ^ "Pavlik Records 1,000th Strikeout". NJJackals. Pointstreak.com. June 6, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  8. ^ "BoxScore". New Jersey Jackals. Pointstreak. August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
  9. ^ "Chair of Honor: NJJackals & Rolling Thunder". NorthJersey. NorthJersey.com. August 24, 2019. Retrieved August 24, 2019.
  10. ^ "Frontier League, Can-Am League to Join Forces". FrontierLeague.com. October 16, 2019.
  11. ^ "Frontier League Press Conference". Livestream. Livestream.com. October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  12. ^ "A Vision of Growth". FrontierLeague. FrontierLeague.com. October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  13. ^ "The All-American Baseball Challenge". New Jersey Monthly. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  14. ^ "New Jersey Jackals at Evansville Otters". Frontierleague.com. May 13, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  15. ^ "TAVAREZ NO-HITTER FOILS MINERS". jackals.com. September 6, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  16. ^ "2022 New Jersey Jackals". Baseball-reference.com. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  17. ^ "JACKALS MOVE TO HINCHLIFFE". Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  18. ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 15, 2022). "Jackals announce move to Hinchliffe Stadium for 2023". Ballpark Digest. August Publications. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  19. ^ "P.J. PHILLIPS NAMED NEW JERSEY MANAGER". Frontier League. November 7, 2022. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  20. ^ "Sussex County Miners vs. New Jersey Jackals - Box Score - 5/21/2023". Frontier League. Retrieved May 29, 2023.
  21. ^ Reichard, Kevin (September 19, 2023). "2023 MLB Partner League attendance by total". Ballpark Digest. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  22. ^ "NEW GM JOHN HUNT". jackals.com. October 16, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  23. ^ "Bert Gonzalez New Manager Of NJ Jackals". highpointrockers.com. February 20, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
  24. ^ "Reds' Robert Stock got noticed with a video". MLB.com.
  25. ^ a b "Atlantic League Information". mbpfaus.net.
  26. ^ "2012 New Jersey Jackals Record Book by New Jersey Jackals Professional Baseball - Issuu". issuu.com. April 26, 2012.
  27. ^ "FloSports® - Official Site - Live Event Sports Streaming". FloSports®.
  28. ^ "jackalsbaseball". jackalsbaseball.mixlr.com.
  29. ^ New Jersey Jackals [@JackalsBaseball] (May 31, 2022). "New Jersey Jackals on Twitter: "Kevin Burkhardt was the Jackals' ..." (Tweet). Retrieved June 3, 2023 – via Twitter.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to New Jersey Jackals.
Achievements
Preceded by Northeast League Champions
New Jersey Jackals
1998 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Northern League Champions
New Jersey Jackals
2001–2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Northeast League Champions
New Jersey Jackals
2004 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Can-Am League Champions
New Jersey Jackals
2019 		Succeeded by
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