Paterson Silk Weavers

Baseball Hall of Fame charter member Honus Wagner played for the 1896 and 1897 Paterson Silk Weavers, before making his major league debut in 1897.

Fellow Hall of Fame member Ed Barrow was Wagner's manager in 1896, after scouting him and signing him to the team.

[3] Baseball Hall of Fame member Ed Barrow was the owner and manager of the 1896 Silk Weavers.

The Wilmington Peaches (58–79), New York Metropolitans/Philadelphia Athletics (57–69), Lancaster Maroons (26–30) and New Haven Texas Steers (21–38) followed Paterson in the final standings.

As a result, the second place Hartford Bluebirds challenged Newark to a seven–game series to decide the championship.

The third place Paterson Silk Weavers then accepted the Hartford invitation to play a series.

Baseball Hall of Fame charter member Honus Wagner played for Paterson in 1896, at age 22, hitting.313 in 109 games with 6 home runs and 48 RBI.

[14] Paterson Pitcher Sam McMackin had a strong season in 1896, ending with a record of 25–16 and a 2.83 ERA in 384.1 innings pitched.

"[18] The 1897 Paterson Silk Weavers continued play as members of the eight–team Class B level Atlantic League.

[21] Ed Barrow had contacted Louisville president Barney Dreyfuss, secretary Harry Pulliam, and player-manager Fred Clarke to travel to Paterson to see Wagner play.

Newark finished 19.0 games behind the first place Richmond Bluebirds in final standings of the eight–team league.

Rasty Wright, John Thornton, Ed Barrow and Abner Powell managed the Giants during the season, as Paterson finished 25.0 games behind the champion place Richmond Blue Birds in the final Atlantic League standings.