MORE THAN BASEBALL: ORLANDO CRUZ, JACKALS EMBRACE DIVERSITY DURING FIRST-PLACE PLAYOFF PUSH

PATERSON, N.J. — Something special is happening at Hinchliffe Stadium.

The New Jersey Jackals are in first place and making a push toward the postseason. But for Vice President of Baseball Operations & General Manager Orlando Cruz, what is being built at Hinchliffe goes beyond wins and losses.

“This is one of the most diverse communities anywhere in New Jersey, and I believe our baseball team should reflect that,” Cruz said. “Whether our fans are from Paterson, Passaic, Clifton, Bergen County or anywhere across North Jersey, I want them to feel that this is their team.”

The Jackals roster brings together players from different backgrounds and cultures, united by the same goal: winning.

“Baseball has always had the ability to bring people together,” Cruz said. “Different languages, different hometowns, different life experiences — once you put that uniform on, everyone is working toward the same goal.”

That approach is producing results.

The Jackals offense is led by Felix Stevens, who is hitting .401 with 15 home runs and 54 RBI. Gustavo Sosa is batting .346 with 13 home runs, Isaac Bellony leads the club with 17 homers and 54 RBI, and Martin Figueroa has added 16 home runs and 51 RBI.

Now, with the Jackals in first place and the playoff race intensifying, Cruz is calling on North Jersey to get behind its hometown team.

Only 18 regular-season home games remain.

“We have a first-place professional baseball team right here in our backyard,” Cruz said. “These players are giving everything they have every night. Now we want our community to be part of this run.”

Cruz hopes to see families, youth baseball and softball teams, businesses and community organizations filling Hinchliffe Stadium during the stretch run.

“Bring your kids. Bring your Little League team. Bring your employees and your neighbors,” Cruz said. “Come experience professional baseball and let these players feel that North Jersey is behind them.”

For Cruz, the goal is to build more than a winning baseball team. It is to create an organization North Jersey can call its own.

“We’re building something here,” Cruz said. “I want people throughout this region to say, ‘Those are our Jackals. That’s our team.’”

First place. 18 home games remaining. One playoff push.

Come be part of it.

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