Black history in Hoboken includes Coach Johnny Ray McDonald Jr., known to the city as "Diddle."
For nearly 20 years with the Hoboken Recreation Department, he built more than leagues. He built community.
His impact
- At a time when few Black athletes were visible in hockey, he introduced the sport to generations of local youth
- Founded Hoboken's first instructional hockey program and an adult roller hockey league
- Launched the city's first girls traveling softball team
- Helped establish the Church Square Men's Basketball League
- Mentored countless kids through basketball and baseball
He raised money so that every child, regardless of background, had access to equipment, field time and opportunity. For Diddle, sports meant structure, discipline and belonging.
His legacy
When he passed in 2021, people lined up for blocks in the rain outside St. Francis R.C. Church to pay their respects.
Today his legacy lives on at the Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. "Diddle" Hockey Rink, made possible through a partnership with the New Jersey Devils, the NHL, the NHL Players' Association and the City of Hoboken.
Video courtesy of the New Jersey Devils.
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