Newark Eagles

History Brief

Franchise #20 began its existence in Boston, calling themselves Beaneaters. GM Jim Lafargue, founder of TCBA, controlled the team’s fortunes until 1908, gifting the Franchise to West Coast investor LJ Honeycutt. A margin call forced the team to disband after the 1920 season. Following a 59-year hiatus, the Founder retook control of Expansion Franchise #20 in 1979, locating the team in the Meadowlands. Ten years later, Lafargue moved his team to a new facility in Newark, where the team has been headquartered ever since. The Eagles thrived in their new environment, running off a string of five consecutive post-season appearances from 1997-2001 when the team averaged 115 wins a season, winning back-to-back titles in 1998-1999. Not since the rampaging Winnebago Indians (1979-1984) had the league seen such dominance. A 10-year era of limited success followed, until the Eagles rose high once again, seizing the Metro title in 2014. Five wildcard appearances in the next six seasons culminated in a league championship in 2020. The Founder had reclaimed his seat at the head of the table.