Raines’ Wins High School Negro League Exhibition A. Phillip Randolph Cup

As part of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s salute to Black History Month and the Negro Leagues’ Centennial Celebration, the club hosted the inaugural High School Heritage Classic exhibition game between rivals William M. Raines High School and Jean Ribault High School at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

The student-atheletes wore customized Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms in a tribute to the Negro Leagues team that resided in Jacksonville from 1938-42. The exhibition contest coincided with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s commencement of the 100^th anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues. The exhibition game also featured historical references to Negro League players and teams throughout the game. The winning team earned the inaugural A. Philip Randolph Cup, commemorating the civil rights activist who moved to Jacksonville in 1891.

“I am so proud to bring this one-of-a-kind game to celebrate the rich history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville and honoring the many Negro Leagues players who laid the foundation for our entire industry,” said Jumbo Shrimp executive vice president/general manager Harold Craw. “I want to thank the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for kicking off the Jumbo Shrimp’s year-long commitment to commemorate the Centennial Celebration of the Negro Leagues. We encourage all fans to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.” Raines Vikings won the game 8-4.  Shown  are the winners Raines Vikings.with the winning trophy.