The Star-Ledger: A Legacy in Print and Beyond
The Star-Ledger, a renowned newspaper in New Jersey, published its final print edition on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, marking the end of an era. The sports section of The Star-Ledger stood out not just for its size but for the comprehensive coverage it provided to sports enthusiasts across the state. Holding the sports section felt like holding a sports almanac every morning, with a plethora of information on local professional teams, out-of-town baseball box scores, high school basketball results, saltwater fishing reports, auto racing news, and more packed into its pages.
Richie Guenther, a veteran of the sports desk, reflected on the unlimited space the section offered, allowing them to cover anything and everything related to sports. The writers at The Star-Ledger built strong connections with readers, becoming their eyes and ears in press boxes and locker rooms, both within New Jersey and beyond. Moss Klein, Dan Castellano, Walt MacPeek, Rich Chere, and Jerry Izenberg were just a few of the writers who left a lasting impact on the sports section.
Unraveling the Legacy
Tom Luicci, known for his extensive coverage of college sports, shared his experiences of covering games and encounters with legendary figures like Bear Bryant. The sports section was not just about scores and statistics; it was about the stories that unfolded behind the scenes. Mike Vaccaro recalled his encounter with Bruce Springsteen in the Yankees locker room, stressing the unique blend of sports and culture that The Star-Ledger encapsulated.
The sports section was a family affair for the Kleins, with Willie and Dave Klein making significant contributions to its success. In the mid-’90s, a new era dawned on the sports section with a revamped look under the leadership of Kevin Whitmer. The quality of reporting was matched by vibrant layouts and stunning action shots, making it a visual treat for readers.
Taking on the Giants Across the River
Despite being the underdog against New York newspapers, The Star-Ledger sports section competed fiercely for scoops on professional teams. Ed Price reminisced about the camaraderie among colleagues and the pursuit of compelling stories that set them apart. The section delved into the heart of stories, whether it was tracing the journey of international basketball players to a Newark high school or investigating power struggles in high school sports.
The sports section’s influence extended beyond the realm of reporting, as seen in the ambitious project to design a stadium for the Yankees in New Jersey. Journalists like Brad Parks used their platform to shed light on critical issues, driving change and impacting policy decisions. The legacy of The Star-Ledger sports section lives on through the careers it nurtured, with journalists like Mike Garafolo, Dan Graziano, and Jeff Passan making their mark in the field.
Embracing the Digital Age
As the digital age emerged, the focus shifted from print to online platforms, presenting new challenges and opportunities for storytelling. Matt Stanmyre’s podcast on the 1990 state high school football championship showcased the evolution of storytelling in the digital realm. The commitment to excellence and dedication to impactful journalism remain ingrained in the DNA of the sports section.
While the printed Star-Ledger may be a thing of the past, the spirit of innovation and relentless pursuit of stories continue to drive the team at NJ Advance Media. For loyal readers, nothing can replace the tangible connection of holding the Star-Ledger sports section in their hands, a testament to the enduring legacy of a publication that captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts across New Jersey.
In the words of Richie Guenther, “It was a great place to work. For my money, it was the best sports section in the country.” The Star-Ledger may have bid farewell to its print edition, but its impact on the world of sports journalism and the lives of readers will endure for years to come.
