As a new expansion team for the newly formed Eastern division of LPB, there was a lot of hope for the New Jersey Diamonds. They would play at the Skylands Park, which had a capacity of 4,345 fans. At the end of March they held their first tryouts. Players would earn $1,200 to $1,500 per month for the season. One of the tryouts was attended by "Tommie" Barker, who had played for the AAGPBL on the Grand Rapids Chicks, who came to witness history being made in womens's baseball.
During this season, photographer Laura Wulf camptured many great pictures of the Diamonds. See her site at:
https://www.laurawulf.com/baseball
The Diamonds's ingugural season opened with a home series against the Florida Legends on July 9 1998. They lost the first game 9-13, but had a crowd of 500 fans. Manager Brock Radaker recognized that some of his players had come frome a softball background. "We've got to work more on basic fundamentals," he said. "Still, with the physical skills these women have, we'll be comparable to or better than most teams." Brenda Wise, who had torn a ligament during the Bay Sox's first game last year, was now on teh Diamonds, and Radaker felt she would do great.
Tammy Silveira got the first hit for the Diamonds's franchise. "After I got the hit, I asked 'Can I keep the ball? I was so happy," she said. The New Jersey Diamonds ended up splitting their first series 2-2 with the Legends. Their last series was home again against the San Jose Peppers, and ended the abbreviated season with a record of 5 wins and 7 losses.
Once the league folded, Diamonds manager Brock Radaker had to break the news to his team. "It was horrible having to tell the team that. I think they took it pretty well. The players knew this might happen and most of them are prepared to do other things. Some of them, though, will hold onto the dream."
While many players on the Diamonds were upset about the league collapsing, and worry about paychecks, some regretted not being able to have family members see them play. "My sister and grandfather never saw me play. They're asking for pictures, tapes and newspapers. The players from California were waiting for road trips to the West Coast for the same reason," said Tammy Silveira.
"That's the end of the dream. This week has been so emotional. I don't think that I feel anger. It's sadness. We couldn't make it go. I played the game with a lot of heart and hustle. I won't get another chance. Time ran out for me," reflected Terri Lynn Herbst.
