Raines and Ribault High Schools will continue their rivalry in the seventh annual High School Heritage Classic, an exhibition baseball game honoring Jacksonville’s Negro Leagues history. Both teams’ student-athletes will wear custom Jacksonville Red Caps uniforms as a tribute to the city’s former Negro Leagues team that played from 1938 to 1942. The event will include historical references to Negro Leagues players and teams throughout the game.
The winner of the contest will receive the A. Philip Randolph Cup, named after the civil rights leader who moved to Jacksonville in 1891. General admission tickets are available for $7 per person, with sales ongoing online. Group ticket inquiries can be made through the Jumbo Shrimp organization at (904) 358-2846.
Matt Goudreau, president and general manager of the Jumbo Shrimp, said, “We are incredibly proud to continue the tradition of the High School Heritage Classic that celebrates the extraordinary history of the Negro Leagues in Jacksonville. Thank you to Duval County Public Schools and the students and faculty of both Raines and Ribault High Schools for continuing this tradition to the Jumbo Shrimp’s annual Black History Month celebration. This special game always helps encourage all fans to continue to learn about the extraordinary Negro Leagues players who complete the history of the sport we all love.”
Raines won each of the first two editions of this classic by scores of 8-4 in 2020 and 16-5 in 2021. Ribault responded with wins in 2022 (4-2) and 2023 (8-3). The teams ended in a tie at 5-5 in 2024, while Ribault secured a victory last season with a five-run third inning leading to a 10-3 win.
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp serve as Triple-A affiliates for Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins and compete in the International League. The team is recognized for its community engagement initiatives, hosting not only baseball games but also various events aimed at providing affordable family entertainment throughout Northeast Florida. Since rebranding before the 2017 season, they have consistently led minor league attendance statewide.
