The Best Places to Explore the Gritty, Historic and Authentic Sporting Past of Trenton, NJ

Trenton, New Jersey has a rich history in sports that reflects its gritty, diverse and industrial character. From boxing matches to baseball games and horse races, there are many sporting events that have shaped the citys identity over time. If youre interested in exploring the local traditions and culture of Trenton through its sporting past, here are some of the best places to start:

1. Old Man Johnson Boxing Matches (33 S Clinton Ave) For almost 50 years beginning in the late 1800s, Old Man Johnson ran one of Trentons most notorious boxing clubs. Located above his barbershop on South Clinton Avenue in downtown Trenton, these bareknuckle fights were popular with both locals and outoftowners alike.

2. Olympic Field (Lamberton St & Parkside Ave) Originally built for track and field events during World War I as a training ground for soldiers headed overseas, Olympic Field became home to several professional football teams throughout the early half of American football history.

3.Horse Racing at Monmouth County Racetrack(175 Oceanport Ave,Oceanport,NJ) This historic racetrack just outside nearby Monmouth Beach saw thoroughbreds run from July through October each year since opening In 1870s until introduction offtrack betting changed it completely over by mid20th century

4.Samuel Alito Little League Baseball Fields (Brunswick Pike S & Klockner Rd E) Justice Samuel Alito grew up playing little league baseball on these fields as part of Hamilton Little League before he went on become lawyer ,Federal judge,and eventually appointed associate justice for US Supreme Court

5.National Negro Bowling Association headquartered at AMF Sherwood Bowl(104 Grand Central Dr,Lavallette)Though it was not located directly in Trenton but still played important role because many of the bowlers were from Tristate areas including New York City and Philadelphia.In 1938,Joe Norris formed NNBA with goal of getting black bowlers into tournaments.

Each of these locations offers a unique perspective on Trentons sporting past. Whether youre interested in boxing, football, baseball, horse racing or bowling there is something for everyone here that reflects the citys history and culture.

Websites:

www.hamiltonll.org

www.monmouthpark.com

www.nnba.org

Twitter handles:

@Monmouthpark

@NegroBowlingAssoc