East Brunswick, NJ: Well, you've seen a Judge play baseball in New York, but if you want to see a mayor play cricket, you have to come to East Brunswick!
The East Brunswick Department of Recreation and Parks opened the new cricket pitch at Heavenly Farms on Friday, April 25 with a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Brad Cohen.
Let's go! Mayor Cohen at bat. (Photo Credit: TAPinto East Brunswick )
The cricket pitch is the result of the drive of the Mayor and the Township Council and the hardwork of the East Brunswick Department of Recreation and Parks led by Mike Reissner, who spoke at the opening event. Reissner, along with County Clerk Nancy J. Pinkin described East Brunswick's commitment to both the preservation of open space and to the accessibility and variety of sports in the community. At the podium before the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Cohen spoke about the openness of East Brunswick to growth and change.
Councilman Dinesh Behal and the first EB Cricket Ball. (Photo Credit: TAPinto East Brunswick)
Lots of local officials were there to witness this important event - the only lighted cricket field in the state of New Jersey - Council Members Dinesh Behal, Dana Zimbicki, Kevin McEvoy, Board of Education President Heather Guas, Economic Development Director Rob Zuckerman, Howie Alexander and Neal Shah of Fast Break Basketball, Representatives of the Asian-American Pacific Islander group of East Brunswick (AAPI) and Carolyn Barszcz of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Ronnie Li and Dax Patel, the founders of the East Brunswick Cricket Club, were there for this sports and recreation event, a celebration of the opening of the township to a new way to play (for some of us, anyway!)
Says the East Brunswick Cricket Club on its website: "We aim to promote cricket as a cherished sport within our community and beyond. By organizing events, coaching programs, and competitions, we encourage active participation and engagement at all levels, from juniors to seniors. Our goal is to inspire individuals to embrace the game and experience its unique joys and challenges. We believe in nurturing individual talent and fostering an environment where every member can reach their full potential. Finally, our club strives to be a hub of social interaction, organizing various events and activities that bring our members, families, and the wider community together.
Cut the ribbon! (Photo Credit: TAPinto East Brunswick)
Our comprehensive cricket training program is for boys and girls of all skill levels. We cover everything from the basics of cricket as a sport to advanced batting/bowling techniques and game awareness. You’ll learn essential skills such as batting, bowling, fielding, and wicket-keeping along with cricket rules, ground layouts, and pitch conditions. We focus on building fitness, mastering techniques, while also prioritizing soft skills like teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Join us and be a part of a dynamic cricketing community that is driven by passion, engagement, and the power to inspire. Together, let’s celebrate the spirit of cricket and create lasting memories both on and off the field.
We are mentored by well-renowned Jatin Patel (Coach, Professional Sports Analyst & Cricket Hall of Famer with a Lifetime Achievement award). All of our coaches are Level 2 certified."
Jatin Patel has been with East Brunswick since the first cricket pitch in the township was established at Bicentennial Park in 2021. The first cricket pitch initiative was facilitated by East Brunswick Councilman Dinesh Behal, who saw the project through.
(All Photos courtesy: East Brunswick Cricket Club)
