Charles Muth grew up in Paterson, almost in the shadows of Hinchliffe Stadium. He drove a soft-drink truck as a young man, and graduated from Montclair State in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management. He also never forgot the emphasis his parents placed on the power of higher education to shape his life.
Throughout a successful career in the beverage and beef industries, Muth has remained true to his school. He has created numerous opportunities for Montclair State students to succeed through education and serves on the Feliciano School of Business advisory board.
In December 2022, he stepped to the plate in a major way. Muth made a $5 million donation to establish a museum and education center at Hinchliffe Stadium, which is operated by Montclair State.
Charles and Laura Muth at the Museum Ribbon Cutting on April 11, 2024
“When I left the city, I always felt the obligation to give back in a meaningful way,” Muth said. “And so I would like to see the money go toward education. I think the outreach program educating students in particular about the history of Paterson, about the history of Hinchliffe Stadium (would) really be the outcome that I would love to see.” To Muth, the legacy and leadership of players like Larry Doby and Jackie Robinson, who together broke baseball’s color barrier, must never be forgotten.