Premiere Stages at Kean has a knack for selecting new productions that are well written with interesting story lines that appeal to their audiences. Such is the case with Effa Loves Baseball running now through October 25. Written by Pia Wilson, this play was the recipient of the 2025/26 Liberty Live Commission. Playwright Wilson has an extensive background working in the playwriting industry. Her plays have been produced across the country.
Director marcus d. harvey brings together well developed staging of the play at Kean University’s Enlow Recital Hall. His work with the cast of actors brings out many of the ups and downs Effa went through. There are disappointing moments but also triumphs presented.
The play is about Effa Manley who was the first woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. She managed the Newark Eagles as they went on to a World Series Win in the Negro Leagues. But the play is about much more. It shows what Effa as a woman in a predominately man’s world went through for her dream of that win. It also brings back memories of the Negro Leagues now a part of the history of baseball.
The Story Brings a Human Side of Baseball to Light
Effa Manley and her husband Abe Manley lead busy lives. In addition to being the owners and managers of the Newark Eagles, they both have other interests. Abe has successful business ventures and Effa is active in Civil Rights causes.
Kerry Warren and Greg Alverez Reid. Premiere Stages’ 2026 production of Effa Loves Baseball by Pia Wilson. Photo by Mike Peters.
Effa has a sharp eye for spotting new talent for the team. Abe relies on her for what she brings to the job. One day, she spots a young player by the name of Larry Doby. Great care is taken to recruit him to the Eagles. He lives up to expectations but eventually goes off to join the Navy to serve in World War II. His return is significant because it helps the Eagles win the World Series.
The play shows the care Effa has for the members of the Eagles. She cares about what happens to them in their everyday lives. She makes sure they are fed and have proper places to stay. At one point, she buys a well outfitted bus to transport the team members to their games. It even has air-conditioning, a luxury not always seen at that time.
Shortly after celebrating the World Series Win, a critical event occurs. Branch Rickey works to help Jackie Robinson join the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. This marks the beginning of the integration of Major League Baseball. It is a moment that was the hope for many years. However, when it arrives, there is a major drop in attendance for the Eagles and a drop in the Manley’s revenue. No longer able to continue with their team, we see them sell the team and move to Houston. As the play ends, Effa reflects back on what has happened and her hopes for the future.
Cast
Kerry Warren leads the cast as she plays Effa Manley. She hits it out of the ballpark with her portrayal of this great lady. She shows many sides of Effa both during her discouraging moments as well as the good ones. Especially important to see is the way she interacts with her husband, Abe Manley played by Greg Alverez Reid. Mr. Reid does a superb portrayal of man who is strong enough to allow his wife’s talents to be spoken about in public. And he also shows how much he loved Effa and how he cared for her.
Grant Kennedy Lewis plays Larry Doby. He turns in an astute performance of the player who later becomes the first black player in baseball’s American League. His actions simulating playing the game are a joy to watch.
DeShawn Harold Mitchell plays the outstanding catcher Biz Mackey. We see him assist the team with helping to develop Larry Doby and others on the Eagles.
Justin Walter Cook plays dual roles in the play as Announcer 1 and Marion Motley. David Andrew Morton plays Branch Rickey and several other roles.
This cast makes Effa Loves Baseball a very special show to see. Their enthusiasm is fun to watch. At times, you might feel like you are actually at a game.
Go To See Effa Loves Baseball
October is a great time to celebrate baseball and this is one show you don’t want to miss.
Effa Loves Baseball runs October 15 – 25 at Enlow Recital Hall on Kean University’s East Campus, 215 North Avenue, Hillside, N.J.
The performance schedule is Thursdays, October 15 at 7:30 pm and October 22 at 10:30 am, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm & 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets for all other performances are $42 standard, $32 for senior citizens and Kean alumni and staff, $27 for patrons with disabilities and $18 for students, inclusive of any fees. Significant discounts for groups of ten or more apply.
To purchase tickets, call the box office at 908-737-7469 or visit Premiere Stages online at premierestagesatkean.com.
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ
Thursday, October 22, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ
Thursday, October 22, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
