Patriots Pay Tribute To New York Black Yankees

Bridgewater, New Jersey – On Sunday, August 27, the Somerset Patriots celebrated the legacy of the New York Black Yankees, a historic Negro League team that played in the 1930s-1950s.

The event was part of the Patriots involvement in Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” initiative, specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport, provide new opportunities for youth baseball and softball participation, further diversify the business of baseball and embrace millions of passionate fans throughout MiLB’s 120 communities nationwide.

A pre-game ceremony took place on the field and featured speeches by Patriots Co-Chairman Jonathan Kalafer, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson, Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, SSAAM Board Member Pat Payne and a keynote address from special guest Willie Randolph.

“Today we honor a crucial part of both the history of baseball and the history of America,” said Kalafer in his on-field remarks. “Although baseball is inextricably intertwined with American history in many ways there are none as deep or as important as our country’s quest to fulfill the ideals of equality set forth from the very beginning in the Declaration of Independence.”

The program kicked off with a performance by Plainfield High School Marching Band and also included a presentation by Allegra School of Music and Arts Acting Troupe and Queen City Film Festival about the history of the Negro League and Black Yankees.

TD Bank Ballpark was decorated with banners telling the story of the Black Yankees, including how New Jersey and Yankee Stadium played a part in Negro League history, as well as the Patriots’ mission as part of “The Nine” initiative.

“It’s important to know your history regardless of what it is. Black History or American history, it’s just important to be educated. If you love the games like these kids do, you’re missing out if you don’t know the total history,” Randolph said.

As fans entered the ballpark, they received Black Yankees commemorative card strips featuring players Clarence “Fats” Jenkins, Bill “Speed” Holland and Clint “Hawk” Thomas.

Despite playing in uniforms that resembled the Yankees, or used uniforms from the major league Yankees, the New York Black Yankees never had a true brand identity to call their own. The Patriots created a logo designed specifically to honor the Black Yankees’ heritage that is unique to the historic team. The logo was designed with an interlocking BY for the first time to put the emphasis on the Negro League team versus the city of New York or the Yankees brand.

The Patriots players and coaches wore special themed jerseys that were auctioned off online to benefit Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) and the organization’s work to tell the story of the unique culture, experiences, and contributions of the African American community of the Sourland Mountain Region. To learn more visit: ssaamuseum.org. Additional fundraising took place with a 50/50 raffle that benefitted Love Plainfield.

Fans were able to interact with different vendors on-site to help educate and promote Black-owned businesses and community organizations. Partners included SSAAM, Bold Action Photo Booths, Queen City Film & TV Workshop and Charles J. Muth Museum at Hinchliffe Stadium.

Before the start of the game vocal students from the Allegra School of Music and Arts performed with Dough McLaughlin singing “Lift Every Voice And Sing” and Charlee McLaughlin singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Music played throughout the event celebrated Black artists from jazz, Motown, rock, pop and hip hop.

Food and beverage options at the ballpark included J Secret’s Breakfast Spot of Plainfield serving whiting fish and catfish and homemade uptowns, while the Jersey Home Brews Beer Stand sold Thunder Twins Beer.

The Patriots Team Store unveiled Black Yankees branded t-shirts with the newly created logo and wordmarks.

The team has expanded plans for 2024 for the Black Yankees and its participation in “The Nine” that will be announced in the coming months leading into next season.