Although weather didn’t cooperate for the scheduled opener on Friday, Saturday was perfect weather for baseball in Paterson.

This year is the New Jersey Jackals’ 27th season – their fifth in the independent Frontier League and their third at historic Hinchliffe Stadium.

“Opening Day is sacred,” said general manager John Hunt.

“Every time you get to put on the uniform and play professionally, it's a great experience and a great gift,” said first baseman Xavier Vargas.

Hunt says attendance has risen over the years. They’re projecting six times as many fans per game as they had when the Jackals first moved to Paterson from Little Falls.

Fans get to see a blend of international talent and homegrown pedigree. The roster is made up of former MLB draft picks and college stars, plus players from as far away as Finland and as close as Allentown, Freehold and even Paterson.

“Having my family in the stands, being here from Paterson, giving out 20, 40, 60 tickets a night and having everybody just chant the name is awesome,” said outfielder Arbert Cipion. “You hear about Larry Doby growing up and what this field means to the city, and it being on the historical park, right by the Great Falls, it’s beautiful.”

Management has booked tons of promotions for the new season. Opening Night included a wrestling ring with matches between innings.

“We try new things, like bringing wrestling to a baseball game,” Hunt said. “In a stadium as historic as Wellpoint Field at Hinchliffe Stadium, they used to have professional wrestling here. They used to have boxing.”

“The Jackals are coming to win this year,” Cipion said. “It's going to be awesome, and I can't wait to see you guys here.”

You can learn more and buy tickets on Jackals.com.