Lauren Rivera 
Essex County has plenty to brag about, from being the backdrop for the iconic series The Sopranos to being the hometown of stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Lauryn Hill. To add to that list, this September, Essex County will become the hotspot for Guinness World Record attempts. Yogi Berra Museum + Learning Center will attempt to break the world record for the largest game of catch on September 21st. Just a day later, on September 22nd, the Boys + Girls Club of Newark will attempt to break the world record for the largest pizza party. Read on for what to know about these Essex County groups attempting to set world records this fall.
Yogi’s Big Catch Challenge
Yogi Berra Museum + Learn Center will attempt to host the world’s largest game of catch on September 21st in an effort to capture the Guinness World Records title. This game will be held in celebration of what would have been iconic baseball catcher Yogi Berra’s 100th birthday year. The current world record was set in 2017, when 1,944 people played a game of catch in the suburbs of Chicago.
View this post on Instagram
The game will take place at Yogi Berra Stadium, located at 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, on the Montclair State University campus. Registration opens at 11:30AM; the warm-up will take place on the field at 12:30PM; and the game will start at 1PM.
Read More: O’Bagel Opens on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair
The museum will need 973 pairs of players to capture the title, which means all locals ages seven and up are encouraged to participate. The fee to join is $25 for a pair, $15 for a single player, and $5 for a spectator. Those looking to play ball should bring their own gloves. Get tickets at this link.
There will also be multiple food trucks on site, including Avelino’s Pizza Truck, Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice + Ice Cream, Eat My Balls — Jersey’s #1 Rice Ball, Fork in the Road, and Mezoco Taco Truck. Free water, soft drinks, and snacks will be available to attendees.
Guests are invited to stick around for a post-game celebration. From 1:30PM to 5PM, there will be various family-friendly activities on the stadium concourse. Those looking to check out the museum can also do so with free admission.
History in the Baking
Over in Newark, the Boys + Girls Club of Newark, in partnership with Papa John’s, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest pizza party on Monday, September 22nd. The event, titled History in the Baking, will take place at the Prudential Center, located at 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, from 5PM to 9PM.
View this post on Instagram
The current Guinness world record for the largest pizza party was broken in January 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At that time, 3,357 people were in attendance, and the world record breakers raised $40,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The group’s goal is to bring in 5,000 locals, and with each person enjoying two slices, that adds up to 10,000 slices of pizza in what they’re calling “one epic celebration.” Along with endless boxes of Papa John’s pizza, there will be live music, games, and activities for all ages.
Attending this pizza party is free, although participants are encouraged to RSVP online.
“This event is more than just a party — it’s a celebration of Brick City spirit, unity, and the power of coming together,” event organizers shared on Eventbrite. “Be part of history, one slice at a time.”
See More: Annual Monticello Fall Festival Happening in Jersey City on 10/19
Follow @themontclairgirl on Instagram + TikTok for the latest Montclair updates, sign up for our weekly newsletter here that shares everything you missed each week, and check out our events calendar, which has over 100+ events weekly to peruse.
