10-12-2023 2:44pm

Morristown Honors a Local Legend: Frelinghuysen Park Field Dedicated to Milt Goldband

Chris Connors Editor

An endearing tribute to an iconic community figure: Athletic coach, businessman, and selfless volunteer.

Morristown, NJ – On Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:00 am, the Township of Morris Department of Parks and Recreation, along with the Morris Township Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, will dedicate the full-size baseball field at Frelinghuysen Park in recognition of Milt Goldband, a legendary community athletic volunteer, coach, and local entrepreneur.

Mr. Milton "Milt" Goldband has contributed nearly four decades of unwavering service to the Morristown and Morris Township community. Notably, he held a deep passion for enriching the lives of local youth through athletic programs. His dedication has left an indelible mark on the area's nonprofits, especially those focusing on the development of the region's young athletes. Described as a legendary volunteer, Goldband's coaching cultivated a diverse group of baseball and basketball talents, ranging in age from 8 to 18.

His storied athletic career commenced in 1963, where he began coaching Little League. Initially driven by his son's participation, Milt's love for coaching blossomed as he touched countless young lives, resulting in over 35 years of athletic volunteering. His teams spanned several high schools, including Morristown, Bayley Ellard, Delbarton, Parsippany Hills, among others. A testament to his commitment, from 1966 to 1975, his Morristown Babe Ruth teams clinched eight state championships.

Furthermore, Goldband's legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond. His initial foray into sports began in the mid-1950s when he led the Morristown Jewish Center Basketball Tournament. His influence in basketball is evident in his ten-year coaching stint at the Morristown Neighborhood House and later at Bayley Ellard Catholic School, where he also served as Athletic Director and summer camp director.

Goldband’s successes as a coach were paramount. Not only did his baseball teams often represent the area in state championship playoffs, but many of his players, including Bob McCann, Ricky Sofield, and Tom Hill, also reached the zenith of professional sports.

Outside the sporting arena, Milt Goldband was renowned as a former owner of Gold’s Stationery Store on Morris Street—a cherished community establishment founded by his father in 1937.

Goldband's dedication to the community wasn't restricted to athletics. His contributions extended to various facets, from serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, volunteering at the Red Cross Blood Bank and Special Olympics, to supporting the Mayo Performing Arts Center and serving on multiple boards of directors.

In the words of the Morris Township Parks and Recreation News Release, "We are proud to dedicate Morris Township’s Frelinghuysen Park Senior Baseball Field in honor of our community’s legendary youth and community volunteer Milt Goldband."

The dedication ceremony at Frelinghuysen Park off Columbia Road will be followed by a baseball game featuring local fall-ball players from Locked-In Baseball, making it a day of celebration and recognition for one of Morristown's most revered figures.