Joyful Foley Field Ceremony: "The People Came Together"

Bloomfield officials, educators, athletes, families and the high school marching band turned out for the much-anticipated opening ceremony at Foley Field Wednesday night.  It was the first of two nights of festivities celebrating the reopening of the beloved Bloomfield landmark, named after locally-renowned football coach, William Foley. 

After a performance by the band, township officials addressed the crowd, which had assembled on and around the new field under rain-heavy, cloudy skies.  But the weather held and the speeches were brief and congratulatory, with officials saying they were proud of the township’s efforts to raise $2.9 million to refurbish the facility in the midst of an unfavorable economy. 

“The people came together at a time of economic pressure, at a time of economic failure for many,” said Mayor Raymond McCarthy. “Many people came together so this beautiful field could happen.” 

“It’s not just about sports,” he went on. “It’s about the heart of the community. It’s about the history of the community.” 

Last night’s festivities marked the first of two nights of celebration.  The highlight comes tonight night at 7 pm, when the Bloomfield Bengals play their longtime rivals, the Belleville Buccaneers, at their first home game in the new stadium in two years. 

Bloomfield BOE President Mary Shaughnessy thanked everyone who had contributed to the renovation of Foley Field, including Mr. and Mrs. Crecco for the scoreboard, which she called the “crown of the field,” and [school business administrator] “Mike Derderian, who opened a vein for this place.” 

John I. Crecco and wife Marion of the John I. Crecco Foundation contributed nearly $25,000 for a brand new Foley Field scoreboard last January. 

“Special thanks to Pat Carter and family,” she went on, “the embodiment of Bloomfield, the very best of Bloomfield. Pat Carter's dad, Johnny Gibson, was a 1928 Olympian who practiced on this field and whose sons and grandsons played on this field. 

“And also, I’d like to thank the taxpayers. It’s an amazing testament to the people of Bloomfield and their dedication to the schools.” 

Al Crincoli and Mike Napolitano of the Foley Field Foundation echoed McCarthy’s and Shaughnessy’s sentiments.  Said Napolitano, “Everybody came together.  We did this in the midst of one of the most challenging economic times this community has faced.  But when everyone understood what was at stake, they put their differences aside and made this happen.” 

Of course, no one was happier about the Foley Field renovation last night than the Bengals High School football team, which last year was due to the on-going construction. The team ended its season 2-8. 

Ben Contella of the Bloomfield Parks & Recreation Department quipped,  “It’s a great night for Bloomfield football fans.  In 1938 Bloomfield was voted the football capital of the state of NJ.  We can get there again.” 

Though last night’s ceremony coincided with the start of the new school year, it was also a tribute the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001.  To mark the occasion and honor the memory of Bloomfield residents who died in the attacks, the Bloomfield High School Athletic department unveiled a bronze Memorial plaque that read, “To honor all the lives that were lost and in recognition of the indomitable spirit of the America – Dedicated September 11, 2011.  Bloomfield residents who lost their lives in the attack of 9/11/2001 – Cesar Alvar, Catherine Nardella, Daniel Rosetti.” 

Despite the solemnity of the occasion, after the ceremony Bloomfield High school athletes and cheerleaders danced joyfully to music provided by Midnight DJ Productions and ran out onto the field.

Brendan W. Gill, State Director for Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), was on hand to show his support for the project.  Seeing the students’ excitement Gill smiled and said,  “I was born and raised in Montclair.  I spent many a Thanksgiving day here,” he noted.  “I respect this tradition tremendously.  These facilities are about more than sports.  They anchor the community.  They make you proud to be a member of the community.” 

Bernard Hamilton, Councilman at Large, declared it “a grand night.” 

“It’s a gorgeous field,” he said. “Mayor McCarthy and I thought this was the right thing to do.  We knew, no matter what, it was going to get done.” 

Hamilton admitted however, that during the course two-year-long project, seeing it through to completion had sometimes been a challenge.  

“There was some opposition from residents, council members.  People didn’t see the long range plan, what we were trying to do,” he said.  “Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.  The community will get a return on their investment.  The joy people will get from this field is priceless.”