Effa Loves Baseball at Kean University

Baseball is a game of power, strategy, and will. Effa Loves Baseball tells the story of a woman who understood all three and refused to be denied because of her gender or the color of her skin. Premiere Stages at Kean University brings this new play to life from October 15 through 25.

Effa Manley manages the Newark Eagles, determined to lead them to the Negro League World Series. But her path is not simple. She faces resistance from the press, her coaching staff, the walls of segregation, and her own doubts. The play follows her as she fights to win at the business of baseball, discovering what victory actually means and what it will cost her. Effa Loves Baseball is the story of the first woman ever inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The play is written by Pia Wilson and directed by marcus d. harvey. It features Kerry Warren as Effa Manley alongside a cast that brings the Newark Eagles and the baseball world of the 1940s to life. The production is 90 minutes long with no intermission. Union County Life is proud to spotlight this important new theatrical work that honors a local hero from Union County's past.

Performances run October 15 through 25 at Enlow Recital Hall on the Kean University campus, 215 North Avenue in Hillside. Preview performances begin Thursday, October 15 at 7:30 PM. Opening night is Friday, October 16 at 7:30 PM, which includes a pre-show cocktail party at 6:30 PM and a champagne and dessert reception after the show. Regular performances continue with matinees and evening shows throughout the run. After select matinee performances, audiences can participate in free talkbacks with the creative team and cast.

Tickets start at $18 for students and range up to $60 for opening night with the reception. Senior tickets are $32, Kean alumni and staff are $32, ADA seating is $27, and standard tickets are $42. Purchase tickets through the Kean University box office.

Find more Hillside events, theater productions, and arts coverage on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: Premiere Stages

FAQ:

Q: When does Effa Loves Baseball run?
A: The play runs October 15 through 25, 2026. Preview performances start October 15 and opening night is October 16. Regular performances continue throughout the week with matinees and evening shows.

Q: Where is Enlow Recital Hall located?
A: Enlow Recital Hall is on the Kean University campus at 215 North Avenue in Hillside, NJ 07205. Parking is available on campus. You can get directions through Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Student tickets are $18. Senior tickets (65+) are $32. Kean alumni and staff tickets are $32. ADA seating is $27. Standard tickets are $42. Opening night tickets are $60 and include a pre-show cocktail party, the performance, and a champagne and dessert reception after the show.

Q: What is Effa Loves Baseball about?
A: The play tells the story of Effa Manley, who manages the Newark Eagles and becomes the first woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. She fights to lead her team to the Negro League World Series while battling prejudice, professional obstacles, and her own doubts.

Q: Where can I find more information about theater and arts in Hillside and Union County?
A: Union County Life covers theater productions, arts events, and cultural performances throughout Hillside and all of Union County. Visit unioncountylife.com for information about upcoming shows and community events in your area.