New York Black Yankees Tribute On 8/2
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will play as the New York Black Yankees at TD Bank Ballpark as part of a tribute night to honor the historic Negro Leagues team. The Patriots take on the Richmond Flying Squirrels (SFG) at 7:05 pm.
Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Somerset Patriots, the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate, will play as the New York Black Yankees at TD Bank Ballpark as part of a tribute night to honor the historic Negro Leagues team. The Patriots take on the Richmond Flying Squirrels (SFG) at 7:05 pm. The game is presented by TD Bank and will feature a postgame fireworks show.
The New York Black Yankees were a professional Negro Leagues baseball team based in New York City, Paterson, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York from 1932 to 1948. It is the third season the Patriots will pay tribute to the iconic team through their New York Black Yankees initiative.
The event is part of the Patriots commitment to Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine” program, a Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport and highlight Black culture and organizations.
The New York Black Yankees are in the house! pic.twitter.com/nW2mta2Iu1
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 30, 2024
Patriots players and coaches will be wearing jerseys and hats with logos specifically created to honor the Black Yankees. The designs were created to give the historic team their own identity and branding they never had since they played in hand-me-down Yankees uniforms during their existence.
The jerseys will be auctioned off online to raise money for Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM) and their work to tell the story of the unique culture, experiences, and contributions of the African American community of the Sourland Mountain Region.
Iconic soul artist, Lee Fields (@LeeFieldsMusic) will perform the National Anthem at our New York Black Yankees tribute game on Saturday, August 2nd!🎤 pic.twitter.com/9CBt9yMyOY
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) February 19, 2025
The New York Black Yankees were founded by the famous American tap dancer, singer and Hollywood actor, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. To honor Bojangles, Ohiole Dibua, a street twirler from Baltimore, MD, will entertain fans with elements of street dancing, twirling, magic and comedy. He has entertained audiences around the world ranging from major sporting events and several “Got Talent” television programs internationally.
The 40+ Double Dutch Club Plainfield will be jumping rope with fans, entertaining on the field and bringing lots of energy at the game.
There will be a special pre-game ceremony on the field with special guests, performances and presentations.
The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative card strip featuring New York Black Yankees John “Neck’ Stanley, George Crowe, Marvin “Hack” Barker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
Partners for the event currently include SSAAM, Prince Rodgers Foundation, the City of Plainfield and Renaissance Cyclists Defeating Cancer
Music during the game will highlight Black artists throughout history and fans will be able to enjoy soul food and beverage from Family Flava.
More information about the Tribute to the New York Black Yankees will be coming throughout the season.
About the Somerset Patriots
The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots were named Baseball America’s 2024 Freitas Award winner for Double-A Organization of the Year. Home games are played at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.* The 2025 season is presented by New Jersey Office Systems. To learn more, visit: somersetpatriots.com.