Montclair came alive on Sunday as fans and community members gathered to honor the centennial of baseball legend Yogi Berra with a record-breaking event at Yogi Berra Stadium at Montclair State University. The Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge set a new Guinness World Record for the largest game of catch ever, with 1,179 pairs of participants—totaling 2,358 individuals—tossing baseballs across the field in a celebration of the Hall of Famer’s enduring legacy.
The previous record of 972 pairs, set in 2017, was shattered as participants of all ages lined up, standing ten feet apart while catching and tossing a baseball continuously for five minutes. The event was carefully monitored by an official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, alongside 37 stewards ensuring every toss and catch counted toward the final tally.
“We’re thrilled to have broken the record,” said Eve Schaenen, executive director of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center. “But the real joy is seeing families, friends, and community members come together around Yogi’s legacy, playing the game he loved most. This feels like the perfect tribute to his 100th year.”
Fans traveled from across New Jersey to participate, from lifelong baseball players to young children experiencing the sport for the first time. Marty Linkletter of Parsippany, a North Jersey Senior Softball League player, remarked, “I’ve been playing baseball my whole life. I even had a game this morning, and I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
The event drew baseball royalty as well. Yankees greats Ron Guidry and Willie Randolph participated, lending their presence to the celebration, while legendary sportscaster Bob Costas emceed the event. Community leaders, including Little Falls Mayor James Damiano, also joined the festivities. Attendees received commemorative baseballs and T-shirts, adding keepsakes to a historic day.
Yogi Berra, who played 19 Major League Baseball seasons, primarily for the New York Yankees, is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. He later served as a manager and coach and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. While the record-breaking event celebrated Berra’s achievements on the field, participants highlighted its deeper community significance.
“It’s all about bringing people out from the community,” said Rich O’Connor, a Montclair State University track and field coach. “Whether you’re from Montclair, or you’re just a huge baseball fan, it’s about bringing everybody together and having a good time.”
The event not only honored Berra’s contributions to baseball but also reinforced the museum’s role as a hub for education, community engagement, and inspiration. From young children learning their first baseball skills to seasoned players reliving the excitement of the game, the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center created a moment where sport, history, and community intersected.
For those interested in exploring Yogi Berra’s legacy, the museum offers exhibitions, interactive programs, and special events that celebrate one of New Jersey’s most beloved sports icons. More information on the museum, upcoming events, and Yogi Berra centennial celebrations can be found here.
