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Home Run! $56K Upgrade Transforms Ridgewood’s Upper Hawes into Premier Little League Field

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Big League Look for Little League: Upper Hawes Field Gets Major Transformation

photos courtesy of the Village Manager Keith Kazmark

the staff the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, great news for youth sports in Ridgewood! The Upper Hawes baseball field received a substantial upgrade last week, capitalizing on the school break during the NJEA Convention to complete the work. This transformation was made possible by a generous community effort and a significant investment in the future of Ridgewood’s youngest athletes.

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MLB Rocked By Alleged Gambling Scheme: Pitchers Accused Of Fixing Pitches For Payouts

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Major League Baseball’s investigation began after a betting-integrity firm flagged

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Major League Baseball is currently embroiled in an alleged gambling scheme after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, were indicted on federal charges related to rigging pitches during games in June 2025. The charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, which could carry significant prison sentences.

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The Recent Rise of the Betting Industry in New Jersey

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One of the most popular sports betting states in the nation right now is New Jersey. The August 17, 2025, game between the New York Giants and the New York Jets was viewed by a large number of spectators, and thousands of them placed bets. Not only was the stadium humming after the Giants’ 31–12 victory, but betting apps across the state were as well.

In New Jersey, sports and betting are so entwined. Supporters keep tabs on all games, monitor real-time odds, and applaud when they win. Here, betting on football has become commonplace, and it’s growing with each big game.

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Your Guide to Robot Umpires: How MLB’s New ‘Challenge System’ Will Change the Game

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

New York NY, Major League Baseball is officially bringing in robot umpires for the 2026 season. After years of testing in the minor leagues, MLB’s competition committee has approved the use of the Automated Ball/Strike System (ABS). But don’t expect a complete takeover; the new system is a “challenge system” that adds a fascinating twist to the game.

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Paramus 8U Little League Team Honored for Winning State Championship!

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photo courtesy of Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Paramus NJ, it was a remarkable summer for Paramus’ 8U Little League Team. What began on June 18 with a group of youngsters eager to play baseball culminated in a state championship on August 3. To recognize their incredible achievement, Mayor Christopher DiPiazza and the Borough Council honored the team on October 1 in a special ceremony. The Mayor joked that in years to come, these young players will be reminiscing about their victory over a few “sodas” at Biagio’s.

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RHS Alum Anthony Stephan Drafted by Cincinnati Reds in 2024 MLB Draft

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Anthony Stephan, a standout outfielder from the University of Virginia and an RHS Alum from the Class of 2021, has been selected by the Cincinnati Reds with the 389th overall pick in the 13th round of the 2024 MLB Draft. The exciting news came on Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone in Stephan’s baseball career.

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Bergen County Historical Society hosts Vintage Baseball in the Meadow This Saturday

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, love baseball and history? Then bring your chair, cooler and sunscreen to Historic New Bridge Landing as the Bergen County Historical Society hosts Vintage Baseball in the Meadow on Saturday, July 13th, 11 am -2 pm, 1201 Main Street River Edge, NJ.
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Step Back in Time with Vintage Baseball at Historic New Bridge Landing

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, if you love baseball and history, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 13th, and head to Historic New Bridge Landing for an unforgettable day. From 11 am to 2 pm, the Bergen County Historical Society (BCHS) will host a Vintage Baseball event at 1201 Main Street, River Edge, NJ 07661.

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Field of Nightmares – Baseball/softball diamonds losers in $700k field lighting project at Ridgewood’s Vets Field

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file photo

the staff of The Ridgewood Blog

Ridgewood NJ, 3 of the 4 baseball/softball diamonds at Ridgewood’s Veteran’s Field will not be included in the coming $700k LED field lighting project. Only 1 diamond will be lit, the varsity baseball diamond. However, all fields designated for soccer play will be lit along with the varsity baseball diamond.

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Westwood Breathes Life Back into “Field of Dreams” Ball Field ,Brookside Park

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photo courtesy of Westwood Baseball Association
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ,  Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo thanked the Westwood Baseball Association, Westwood DPW Superintendent Rick Woods , Westwood Recreation Director Gary Buchheister and Westwood Councilman Anthony Greco ( Council Liaison to both Westwood DPW and Westwood Recreation) for breathing life back into this “field of dreams” at Brookside Park.

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The 71st Opening Day Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association Parade

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,the opening day of the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association Season was kicked off by the  71st Annual Opening Day Parade and Family Fun Day . The parade started at the Ridgewood Train Station at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 20th and made its way  its way down East Ridgewood Avenue , ending at Veterans Field for a fun family celebration with food trucks, inflatables, music, vendors, varsity baseball and softball games, and more.

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Ridgewood Baseball Coach Kurt Hommen Picks Up His 600th Win

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photo courtesy of Ridgewood Schools

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Kurt Hommen achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious coaching career, solidifying his place as one of North Jersey’s most successful baseball coaches.

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Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association’s 71st Annual Opening Day Parade

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file photos courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Baseball and Softball Association’s 71st Annual Opening Day Parade and Family Fun Day will kick off at the Ridgewood Train Station at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 20th and wind its way through the Village, ending at Veterans Field for a fun family celebration with food trucks, inflatables, music, vendors, varsity baseball and softball games, and more.

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Grass Substitute Called AstoTurf Made Its First Appearance at Astrodome in 1966

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, on April 18, 1966, baseball history took a significant turn as the Astros faced off against the Dodgers in their home opener at the Astrodome in Houston. This game marked the first Major League contest played on artificial turf, which initially covered only the infield. Despite the Dodgers emerging victorious with a 6-3 win, this groundbreaking event paved the way for a revolution in ballpark surfaces. Over the next half-century, artificial turf experienced both a rise and a fall in popularity within Major League Baseball. Tug McGraw of the Mets, whose biography is titled “Screwball,” was asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: “I don’t know, I’ve never smoked AstroTurf.”

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