Passaic Today

Montclair State University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology have come together to unveil the $5.3 million renovation of the iconic Yogi Berra Stadium, ushering in a new era for baseball at the venue.

The upgrades were met with enthusiasm from various individuals, including Billy Pinckney, who fondly remarked, "I worked at Yogi Berra Stadium for a decade and it has been such a special place for so many and a ballpark where many of my core memories have been created."

Matt Shuhet, a junior Business major, expressed his excitement, stating, “The renovations at Yogi are beyond our expectations. The new playing surface as well as professional-level bullpens and cages, and all the new additions, truly make the stadium feel like a professional ballpark.”

Head Coach Dave Lorber praised the improvements, declaring, “What we have now is one of the nicest facilities on the East Coast and in college baseball. We’re very fortunate every day to call it our home.”

President Jonathan Koppell acknowledged the collaborative effort, saying, “The beautiful enhancements and upgrades throughout this iconic stadium would not have been possible without the contributions of NJIT."

The renovated stadium has not only impressed the players and coaching staff but has also garnered positive feedback from the community and students. Mike Timberlake, a sophomore Biochemistry major and pitcher for the team, shared, “These incredible facilities encourage us all to play at an equally high level."

As the Red Hawks continue to excel on the field, Head Coach Dave Lorber remains optimistic about the future, humorously stating, “We’re not the Yankees, but we can pretend. You know, we’ve got great pinstripes."

The revamped Yogi Berra Stadium now stands as a premier facility on the East Coast, capable of hosting various events and tournaments, solidifying its position as a cornerstone for baseball at Montclair State University and NJIT.